Fighting Hate with Love

Journal

It has taken me a long time to write about this. I thought that if I talked about it here I would be fuelling the negativity. Now I realise that by talking about it I have the power to turn it into something positive. Words can hurt but they can also heal. I know this will be rambling, but please hear me out.

I may be known for my photography and my blog but at my core I am still just a 22 year old girl from a small town, no better than anyone else. No amount of exposure has made me any less sensitive or any less capable of making mistakes. I’ll never be good enough but that is what growing as a person is all about.

I was a teenager when I started my blog. It felt like a digital home that I could fill with all that I loved. The things I saw and felt that set sparks off inside me. Back then I didn’t know the ways in which it would shape me, the ways it would change my life. In so many extraordinary ways but in a few darker ways too.

My first taste of the dark side of blogging was a phone call late one night. It was a woman on the other end and she told me my boyfriend would leave me, people only liked my pictures because I was young, I was ugly and I deserved to die. I couldn’t sleep that night, I could only cry. I couldn’t hate anyone, not the men who’d abused me or the girls who’d teased me cruelly at school. Yet here was a total stranger whose voice dripped with hatred for me, and I was caught wondering if I deserved it.

The more I blogged the worse it became. I received hate-mail thousands of words long. Then websites filled with anonymous haters. In those first years I took it all to heart, labelling people’s issues with me as my ‘flaws’. I thought if I was good enough no one would hate me and so I needed to fix myself. I even felt guilty that who I was had caused people to feel so negatively. So I wasn’t quite as cheery or loving, I toned down my writing and confidence and I didn’t share as openly. It didn’t matter if I had good intentions or genuinely wanted to make the world a better place. Every time I shared anything my head filled with countless judgemental voices, picking it all apart.

I knew reading all the hatred was making me depressed but it was so littered with lies and assumptions I was afraid if I didn’t clear them up people would believe them. Words have influence, even when they aren’t true. When I became a young Mother the judgement grew uglier. People said I should have Alba away taken from me. Girls became my friends to try to get ‘gossip’ out of me and it became harder to trust people. When they contacted my friends and my family with rumours it was bleeding into real life and that frightened me.

I was embarrassed that I let it get to me, I am embarrassed even sharing this. It feels like I am looking for pity but I am not. I always felt like I was being weak. After all, didn’t I know deep down that all I had was the present and it only had to affect me as much as I let it? Didn’t I know that every single person could be torn to pieces, that not one of us is perfect? Didn’t I feel how much support and love surrounded me? It is a sad thing that if we don’t fight it, darkness can be heavier than light even when the light is so much greater.

I decided to stop reading the hate. I thought, let the lies and the gossip be. The people I want in my life will be able to see through it, and will give me a chance. I am not my past and I embrace my failures, they have taught me even more than my successes. If I am secure in who I am and the decisions I make, it shouldn’t matter what anyone else says or thinks. I do my best and be my best and that is as much as I can do. Have trust in me.

One day I was staying with my friend Zelda in LA. Her Father is Robin Williams and all her life she has had to deal with negative attention and gossip. She said to me “You don’t need to post about your life Nirrimi. You’re a photographer. You have a choice to not make it personal.” She was right and her words have stuck with me for years. It made me think about why I did blog the way I do. Why I choose vulnerability.

When I stopped posting solely about my photography and started sharing my thoughts an interesting thing happened. The emails I received were no longer short messages from people saying they loved my work and asking what camera I used. I began getting intense, deep letters from people who told me my honesty and perspective have had a lasting impact on their lives. That my words had gifted them courage to follow their dreams or that I had showed them the beauty in the world they had overlooked. My life lessons became theirs too. They are my reason.

I don’t feel angry at anyone who has set out to bring me pain. I know it sounds very ‘hippie’ but I feel like I do love everyone, because I know we’re all the same. We’re all making decisions based on the experiences we’ve had, all wanting to be loved and understood. I like to think that the people who do and say cruel things anonymously online aren’t fully realising the hurt they are causing the people they attack. As though they think we’re not as real as they are. There are many ways to justify hate but at the end of the day it is still hate. I feel that if you wouldn’t say it in the real world, don’t say it online.

Strangely sometimes I am grateful for it. It toughened my skin and helped me to let go of a lot of my ego. I remember reading the hate one day and thinking “if I didn’t know myself, I might not like myself after this” and that realisation made me question the way I felt about everyone. It made me think twice before I spoke badly about another person.

Though I have almost quit a few times, I have kept on. I don’t know what the future holds but I know I will always want to use the skills and time I have to do good for other people. I may not be solving world hunger or climate change, but it is something. I can give more and I will. This world (both real and online) is filled with too much darkness and it needs more light.

I have written this post as a call to action. Whenever you see unnecessary negativity or hate online or in real life, speak up against the hate with loving intention. Let’s make the world a kinder place.

Thank you for reading. I’m grateful that I get the chance to share my side. Here is a silly little video I recorded, filled with ‘ums’ and not at all eloquent (seriously, I can barely watch this without hiding behind my hands). But, hey it is me!

I feel SO, so creepy, posting an entry about you and your artistry, but I’m not one bit sorry and I’m trying my best to not apologise, as I’ve fallen deeply, massively in love with your website. Your art, the way you deliver your life all written into words and imagery… Just wow, well bloody done.

Hey Nirrimi! I just wanted to say that your photographs and blog have been with me through a lot of different stages in my life and I am so, so grateful for your (albeit virtual) presence through those difficult and redefining experiences. Sharing in your joy at the birth of Alba, your worries and pain at criticism and not having a permanent residence – through this blog I connected with your experiences and was touched by your honesty, your vulnerability, and your intimacy with us all. I truly feel as if this blog is as much a private place for you and your experiences as it is a public conversation with each of us individually who are lucky enough to stumble across your work and this blog. You have inspired me so profoundly by your photographs, by your words, by your fire, passion, and openness to life, and the way you choose to live it. I remember I connected so readily with you when I had first discovered your photographs because I saw someone I felt a common thread with, someone who I saw as similar to myself in spirit, despite being so different from one another. It is my greatest hope that you will continue with this blog for many years to come, as long as it continues to serve you and have a positive influence on your life, as well as offer solace and connection to people out there like me, who stumble across your photographs and/or blog, at just the right moment, at just the right time, to profoundly impact their vision and perspective on life. Thank you, Nirrimi, for sharing so much of yourself with us. It is revolutionary, awe-inspiring, and imperfect, just as it should be.
With all the love in the world,
Anna

You’re such a cheerful and cute creature. I wish there were more people like you on the planet. I love your posts and all of your photos. They’re so real and honest, they’re just… beautiful as you are. There are kind of the part of you I think… Lots of love sweetie!

Hello Nirrimi,
I’ve grown with your blog and started following you maybe about 5 years ago. I hadn’t visited it in a while and coming back it’s been such a change since I last checked in. This is probably the first time that yes, you feel like a real person to me. Before, you had created such a vision in your blog that it all kind of felt like a fantasy. This post and your recent posts have really touched me.

I guess this is more for me than for you but thanks for being such an inspiration. Not by your photography, gorgeous as it is, but for such bravery and humility.

I usually don’t comment on your posts (or any post) because I always think that what I want to say isn’t worth it, and my english isn’t perfect either (I’m french), but… This time I’m doing it, because I want to give you a huge THANK YOU. You are such an inspiration, you’re shining, countlessly spreading light and love and… To realize that people like you exist gives me hope, lots of hope for the future, because I can feel that this light is really powerful, the kind that little by little is opening hearts and consciousness, making this world a more beautiful place.
So really, keep being yourself, you are amazing.

And again, thank you, merci merci merci !

P.S: If you ever want to visit south of France, my home is yours, anytime.

Hi Nirrimi,
I’m someone who suffers with pretty bad cases of jealousy – if someone does something I wish I could do, etc, I get a sometimes overwhelming case of envy. I know I do it, and I hate it about myself, and I wish I could just say ‘good for them’ and be inspired without the jealous thoughts that accompany it for me. I’ve never taken those negative thoughts to the level of sending hate mail or saying horrible things to people, but there have been times when I’ve given a bit of attitude to a friend that I’m jealous of (and most of the time, realised it and apologised later – i hope I have most of the time anyway!!).
I’ve been following your blog for years, although I just check in now and then as I don’t look at blogs much anymore, and I will admit that I sometimes get jealous of you and get a bit grumpy to myself about it – but the reason I’m telling you this is because even if I read your blog and get ‘angry jealous’ as I’ll call it, I know that the truth is that you inspire me all the time, I have visual diaries with your photos stuck in them, I think you write beautifully and the way you write your blog and let yourself be vulnerable is something that I wish I could do but I freak out about vulnerability and I wish I could wear my heart on my sleeve like you do!
Anyway, I guess I’m trying to tell you that from the point of you of someone who does have some jealousy problems and doesn’t always have positive thoughts, that you’re great and you inspire me and anyone who says anything hateful to you is only doing so because of a problem they have within themselves – not because of you!

Hey you wonderful person! I’m from Montreal and my friend showed your blog to me about 3 years ago and Ive been following you on social media since, and I’ve never written anything to you, really, never written a comment, but I just wanted to say you make my days better and brighter and it was great seeing that video of you, beautiful creature that you are (your eyes: aksjdfkajsdhf!!!).
Anyway, just wanted to say I’m constantly sending you positive vibes across the world when I read your posts or see your captivating photography, because you give me plenty of positive vibes and keep me going forward.
You recently wrote a post about a guy you sortof fell in love with and it was brief and beautiful…and I recently came back from a student exchange in Tahiti, and I…well I completely fell for this wonderful boy that I’m probably going to never see again (I still tear up just thinking about it, that makes me stupid?!), anyway, I was wondering…how do you stay so positive about it? About it being in the past? It still hurts me so much because I see him everywhere and I feel him with me everywhere, and I can’t get rid of it.

Anyway, I send you sososo much love. Kisses to you and the fam, please keep writing xxx

Hi Nirrimi, The fact that you’ve gotten so much hate hurts my heart. People are so jealous of talent that instead of praising and admiring it they have to tear that talent down to make them feel like they are worth something. (have I phrased this right, idk) It’s horrible and I wish you and your beautiful daughter all the best. Peace and love, Angie.

Hi Nirrimi,
You’re very courageous to keep going and not give up. I really don’t understand people wasting their time and going so far to be mean. I really love your blog, I’m reading it for a long time now and it gives me a lot of inspiration and courage. I really want to take pictures as good as you and that’s a dream to become a good photographer later; even if we have nearly the same age.

I’m sorry for my english if it’s bad ! People can be really rude, I know that too, but there’s a lot of people who like your art and your poems. ♥

Hi Nirrimi, thanks for your wonderful viewpoints. You are a real inspiration, not as some god or magic person or something one could never really relate to, but just as ‘you’, a human being like all of us. Your realness, patience and love are refreshing and you are absolutely beautiful. Much love from The Netherlands <3

Hi Nirrimi! I just cannot fathom how people can spend time creating negativity out of such a loving, positive, creative and heart-warming blog.I was a mother at 18 & now as a mother of 4, homeschooler, creative, university teacher & lots of other things, I have finally left the ‘teen mother’ label behind. But I remember the discriminatiom and the judgement well. Most people are not positive and do not constantly strive to be more loving, more creative and more free. But you do. And that is what inspires people! But that is also what attracts the other stuff. Keep being you. You are amazing xx

Hi Nirrimi. I’m just one of your thousands of followers. I’ve followed you since I was about 17 or 18 and I am 23 now. Every once in a while I come to check on your blog. It feels a lot like visiting an old friend. Anyway, I have never ever sent you a message or commented on anything of yours because I’ve always just assumed you’d be swamped with fan mail. But after seeing this post, even if I may be a couple months too late, I just felt the need to leave my message. I just wanted to say that all that you have shared on the internet over the years has meant a lot to me. It has been a source of inspiration, of hope and of happiness in knowing that there are people out there in the real world like you and that you are brave enough to be what you wish to be. I know it takes a thousand compliments and kind words to drown out the sound of even a single negative voice, but I do hope you are always surrounded in love in such a way that there is absolutely no space for negativity to wriggle itself through. Either way, if it even does hit you I hope you remember that you are in the hearts and memories of thousands of other people who think of you fondly.
Much love from Portugal ~

Thank you, for showing us this side of you and your work. I am appaled that people are so judgemental and full of hatred. But your perspective deserves a lot of respect and love. Keep growing and keep showing (in every way that feels comfortable and suits you)!

OMG!!! You are incredibly beautiful and positive person. I see in you so much warmth and kindness. Your eyes are joyful and your smile charming. I see that you’re happy, fulfilled woman.
I found your blog by chance and read everything one evening. You write beautifully and your photos are amazing. I live in Poland, and your life is a fairy tale for me. You’re lucky you’ve met so many interesting, inspiring people and You saw all these places. Congratulates of family, love of life and a wonderful daughter.
Keep so on and never give up. Remember that you are an amazing and unique person.

I wanted to thank you so much for continuing writing! I was so sad when some time ago you mentioned that you would reduce your writing. It is so sincere, filled with life and joy that I always feel happy (or feel sad along with you) and somehow connected, thats a really beautiful and unique thing you do here!
And seeing you on the video takes my breath – your eyes are so intense and full of life and love they seem to burst with it and you share it all with us.
Your fotographs catch such tiny, real/perfect beautiful situations of life, and I really appreciate that often the people seem a little sad, just like they are, no fake.
Thank you so much for your love and your work and sharing your life with us! Love, Kim from cold Gemany

I just want to hug you!!! You are so adorable. Thank you for being so real and so honest! It’s not easy to find. You’re words mean so much to so many and I am so glad that you found this avenue of sharing. <3 <3 <3

This was the most real, vulnerable, and beautiful web post I’ve seen in a very long time. Thank you for sharing your life online; you are an inspiration to women, mothers, photographers, writers, etc and your soul is gorgeous!

Always fight with love. Keep going on, your blog inspired me to let go of everything and go where I really belonged: on the road. I love your blog because of everything out there on the internet, it’s always spreading out your joy at being alive and marveling the wonders of this world. Fight with love, and if you need ammo, you got ours.

“Though I have almost quit a few times, I have kept on. I don’t know what the future holds but I know I will always want to use the skills and time I have to do good for other people.” @nirrimi Thanks for being an inspiration I followed you in facebook, instagram and other sites because I found in you the greatest passion and the warmest heart in your blog. Your photos speaks of who you are, of how you loved your family and yourself more. Keep it up!
Best Regards,
Aimx

Nirrimi, as ever- you inspire me and you radiate beauty & kindness- qualities that will take you to the stars if you let them. 🙂 I find it very refreshing to bury myself for awhile in your words & images, on days when I feel like I am stuck under a cloud. I’ve re-read several of your blogs multiple times, and imagine a day when I can buy your first novel. I noticed you said you’re not photographing as much these days, which makes me all the more grateful for what you have shared. You have made a huge impact on my life, and altered the digital landscape of fashion photography with your raw, perfectly imperfect images that embrace the vulnerability in beauty. I’m not sure if you’ve ever read Haruki Murakami, but I am reminded of this passage when you speak about and own your imperfection: “That’s why I like listening to Schubert while I’m driving. Like I said, it’s because all his performances are imperfect. A dense, artistic kind of imperfection stimulates your consciousness, keeps you alert. If I listen to some utterly perfect performance of an utterly perfect piece while I’m driving, I might want to close my eyes and die right then and there. But listening to the D major, I can feel the limits of what humans are capable of – that a certain type of perfection can only be realized through a limitless accumulation of the imperfect. And personally I find that encouraging.”

I’m imperfect, you’re imperfect. I still have yet to meet or see evidence of a ‘perfect’ person, and most attempts towards perfection are pretty terrifying. Raw humanity is far more beautiful & interesting. Anyways, I hope this makes you smile. 🙂

thank you for sharing your journey(s), for me, they’ve been a source of inspiration, a vision of life far beyond the 9-5 grind, and a life filled with an abundance of joy. As we get older, it gets harder to give in to desires to live like you do, past actions keep us tethered to our own circumstances at times, but I aspire to be as free as you are. It just seems like something more worthwhile to aspire to, as opposed to material wealth. So, keep taking those gorgeous photos, and keep living your life the way you are, detractors be damned for the hollow, jealous souls they are. I’ll pick up my hug if I ever bump into you in New York City, and I’ll give you a great big one back!

By the way, regarding crushes, I’m in my 40s, and I still have crushes ALL the time! 😉

Nirrimi,
I’ve been following you and your work since I was 12 (7 years!), and I can’t believe this is the first time I’m actually commenting! I can’t find the words to express how much I look up to you. You have always been an inspiration to me, not only to keep pursuing photography no matter how frustrated I get with myself, but also to live life in the present, to enjoy the little moments, and to appreciate all that I have rather than focus on what I don’t. Your words, your photography, and your beautiful perspective on life (that I am so grateful you’ve shared with us) have shaped who I am and who I want to be. I thank you for that.
Stay positive always, because you are wonderful, beautiful, inspiring, human. I know that you’ve changed thousands of lives like mine just by being who you are and sharing it with the world.
Love,
Akshay

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Stupid people are everywhere! Don’t focus on them or their comments, they are the one having problems, not you! When you are happy and in peace with yourself, did you ever went bad gossiping about others without no reason? No. It’s those people who have trouble getting their own lives together who will talk bad about other people. 🙂 So cheer up! Enjoy your positive followers (and you have soooo many), your life, your creativity, and of course, your beautiful daughter!
Ps: It was nice seeing you in ‘real life’!

I never fail to be amazed at the beauty and the monstrosity of the human race. We are capable of such awe inspiring kindness and equally capable of such horrendous cruelty. I have read your blog for the past couple of years, and have been deeply touched by the beauty of not only your photographs, but your words and your ability to so eloquently express yourself, sometimes with breathtaking honesty. I’m not sure how someone could come away from reading one of your posts with ugliness or bitterness. I suspect that if they do, it is because that is what lies within them. They are their own punishment and we should pity them rather than allow that ugliness to touch our lives. So much easier said than done, I know. Cruel words have the power to pierce deeply. But kind words equally have the power to touch your soul and heal.

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Hi Nirrimi,
I’ve been following your blog, photography, and stories for a few years now and wanted to say thank you for sharing your experiences! I’m saddened to hear that you’ve received such negative comments from people and that they’ve affected you so deeply, but I am so humbled and impressed by your ability to turn those experiences into a call for people to speak up. Over the years, your blog and writing has been a source of inspiration and learning for me. However, whilst I’ve learnt so much from you, this is only my first comment! Please remember, that for each wonderful person that comments, there are plentiful of us here that are sending out loads of virtual hugs and love your way! I’m 22 as well and empathise with the feeling that the future is rather uncertain and there is still a plentitude of lessons to learn. But I think that as long as you go into it with a positive attitude, knowing that you yourself are being as kind as you can and trying the best that you can, then really what more could anyone ask for? Wishing you and Alba all the best! x x Vanessa

I’m 27, married and have a beautiful daughter who will be one year old on Saturday. I look very young. I get asked if I’m still in high school. I get judged all the time as a teen mom and I’m not even a teenager. Its so hard for me to deal with the judgement! I have worlds of respect for you to be able to deal with it, and keep your head up so high with so many people trying to bring you down.
You are an amazingly inspiration beautiful lady. I’m so glad I stumbled across your instagram after following Belle Gibson for so long. I’ve gone back through your archives to read about your views, explorations, journeys. I find you amazing, fascinating, inspirational, puzzling. There aren’t enough wonderful people in the world like you. You inspire me everyday. Keep doing what you do beautiful lady. You are amazing.
Much love xxxxx

I love your photos and this blog. I come once in a while to see what’s new here and always love it. You have a way to show Light in life that I love.

Don’t bother about the judgements (I know this is easier to say than to do…) Some people is just unable to see beauty and jealousy is there. I just couldn’t imagine how this happens to you. Lots of sick people out there, sorry for them.

You are a lovely real person 🙂 and I’m happy you are there and give beauty and love. XX

Hi Nirrimi,
I’ve been following your blog for years now and you inspired me in so many ways. You still do. I have felt a lot of emotions through your stories and photography. I was really excited about everything you did. I was eager to see a new post and everytime I see one, I’m still so happy.
You are, for me, a beautiful human being who may have done mistakes, may have not been perfect, but who is ?
I also saw those forums in the past and I thought you were brave to talk to them. Your answers were nice and even if you should have been angry or upset, you were being wonderful. They were actually mean and I don’t know how you manage to not feel hate toward them. I would.
But that’s where you strength is, I think. You are trying to be good, and if you can’t see that you are, everyone will remind you that you are.
You are so strong. And you’re one of my inspiration even if you are no hero.

Nirrimi~ I have been following you for years. You have always had such a beautiful light that you have been able to portray through your pictures. I think that’s what makes you stand out from other blogs. You have a light that EVERYBODY can see. You need to remember all the people that you have touched when the haters try to dim your light. Because you are beautiful inside and out. Thanks for everything you have done and posted, and I just wanted to let you know that you have been a huge inspiration to me and I’m sure many others.

you are some strong spirit of an individual that has infected me. i secretly wish that one day i can meet you, and hug you, and tell you how thankful i am for making your presence available online to so many people. if i, and millions of not-yet-photographers, budding artists and writers, had not been graced by your existence, we would all be a little less passionate and more dull.

Nirrimi,
You can’t even imagine what you doing to me. I feel sometimes lonely and upset and I need inspiration or I need to feel warm. I just come to your internet house, scrool down to beautiful photos. And I start feeling sunlight on my face. I feel like at home here, like in hands of mother, who sings lalabi. I am so sorry to hear about this negativness, but I know it comes with being famous and u are famous, you are unbilievible.
Warm wishes from Toronto

Nirrimi, I have been following you since your deviantART days although I haven’t said much to you. I have always wanted to tell you how beautiful I think you and your story are but that isn’t an easy thing to express. I was so proud of you at that moment when you told us you’d had Alba that I told everyone around me, I said there’s this amazing young girl, she’s Australian and she’s travelled the world and followed her dreams and she’s just had a child, and of course nobody cared but I remember I was so happy for you that day. Your post now has reminded me of how uncomfortably powerful negativity can be and I feel guilty for never letting positive thoughts leave my head. If you’re ever in Melbourne, I would love to meet you. Take care 🙂

I love your blog Nirrimi. I’ve followed on and off for many years and when i re-discover your stories over and over it always gives me joy and inspiration. Its incredibly brave to be so honest and open online and i think you were meant to express yourself to know yourself, and in turn inspire others. There will always be people who say negative or horrible things,its just inevitable. But stay strong and just don’t read it. x

Hey Nirrimi, I’ve been a reader of your blog for many years now and I want to say that I admire you. A lot. You have zeal and passion and talent, so don’t let those haters get you down! Sure, you’re really young and maybe people doubt your parenting abilities for your age, but I think you’ve proven yourself to be a very responsible young mother to Alba and it’s very apparent that you give your all to your daughter. So I hope that people can see just how much you put into motherhood and your work and appreciate you for it. I do wish that you’ll continue to document your life and share your gift for words and photography to the world! Because there’s definitely a huge audience waiting for it. You have inspired so many people, me included, so please continue doing so.

Here’s wishing you all the best for your life and Alba’s 🙂 And even though I don’t know you personally, I love you, as a mother, an artist, and a person.

Nirrimi,
Thank you thank you thank you, for continuing to open up more and more to us, and sharing this incredibly important/ touching blog post.
You made blogging so real and talked about something that most bloggers will never talk about; the social hate that is thrust upon internet figures. Though I’ve always been a devoted fan of yours, I can understand how some readers could become jealous of your seemingly perfect life, and seek to tear you down.
What you’ve done by talking about this issue is not only shed light on this cruel behavior, but show these critics that you are in fact a real person, made of both flaws and beauty, and deserve the same respect that they do.
Well done my friend 🙂
If I was a huge fan before, I don’t know what I am now… and ultimate fan? x)
Can’t wait to read/ see more from you!
P.S. Was so excited to finally hear your voice- you SO beautiful, in every way.
Sending so much love,
Vanessa

Hi Nirrimi. From what I can get from your pictures it seems to me that you are a kind, sensitive and honest young woman, apart from having a true gift for writing and taking pictures. I’m glad that you have a blog because it’s inspiring but I’m really sorry to read that you’ve been through such a trial because of it. I’ve read the same from other bloggers so I guess there must be quite a lot of people who feel that because they are protected behind their screens they can write whatever they want and just tear people apart as punching balls. It makes me really sad to realize this. You are very young and you should protect yourself and your family. You will always count on people like me to appreciate your work and your thoughts and most of all to be respectful but I’m afraid you cannot avoid the dark side too if you keep writing this blog. I am confident that you will find the best solution not to be hurt. In the meantime, cheers from the other side of the ocean, Cristina

Dear Nirrimi, your writings are something I read when I am hopeless. You make me want to experience my life again, I cannot express my gratitude to you without tearing up. You are truly an amazing, wonderful and eye-opening person and I want you to know that because of who you are and what you do, I am here today. Please don’t let the bad fill you up darling you have been so genuine and lovely, I don’t think you deserve to feel such unhappiness again.

I’m grateful that you exist too. Like many others, I started following your feed since you used deviantart to share your love for photography, poems and whatnot. It has been so long, isn’t it, everyone? So long since we started loving your feed. Despite what some may perceive as pompous and hypocritical, I find your disposition very down-to-earth, very sincere and full of the curiosity one in her youth still possess no matter if has already become a parent to a beautiful blonde. Your reflections have always captivated me in terms of its relevance and sensitivity. Of course, I was most allured by the adventures you’ve had because I seem to be forever stuck in where I am now (and that I have to change someday). You’re a thoroughly beautiful being and do continue to be strong. Especially when you’ve managed to create such another beautiful being who will certainly grow up proud to have you as a mummy and much doted on by so many of us who have or haven’t yet met her. I’m sorry to hear what happened with M. But like you said, it’s for new chapters to come. And I think it’s very true, considering how I’ve recently just walked out of the trauma of my previous relationship (finally). There’s this saying, if you’ve never heard of it before, which is very encouraging and I hope it can serve as a reminder to you not to be disheartened no matter how long it might take for you to be able to heal completely.

“Who cares about your first love.
Give a big round of applause for your second love,
because they taught you love still exists
after you thought it never could again.”

Awesome blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option?
There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed
.. Any suggestions? Many thanks!

I’m pretty plesed to discover this site. I need
to to thank you for your time foor this particularly wonderful read!!
I definitely loved very part of it and I have you book-marked to lkok at new information on your website.

you are beautiful. your work is breathtaking and inspirational.
i have been a fan for many years and never been able to express my appreciation for your work as you left me speechless each time. My quickest reaction was to smile and exude love for your work and send that into the universe so it reaches you. i not only treasure and appreciate your work but i dore your words.. you remind me of a younger me. Somewhere along my path i lost my gift of creative writing.. and expressing myself. i am slowly finding my way back into that and your posts … are helping me .. greatly.

thank you for being you. and feeling. and creating. and writing. and being YOU.

Hey girl, I’m two years younger than you and I can’t even think that I could be a mom. Now or after two year. You are such amazing photographer, you really have a gift for writing and you have a cutest little girl that I have ever seen. I can’t understand people cause if you have a talent and you can live like you do, why it should be a problem for the others? World would be so much better place if everybody could see all the beauty and love what we have here. Be proud, you are perfect like we all. Sorry my english but hope you got the point, kisses from Finland <3

Lovely lovely lovely girl, I’m just a 24 years old mom from a small town too, but let me say that your words, your lovely thoughts and your photos make me feel more alive and aware of the beauty that lies everywhere, waiting for us to see it, to expirience and to manifest this love we all have inside of us. You are light, you are divine and when you let it shine and share this things with us, we can feel our own light and divinity, and that’s when we are all one, in love and gratitude. I love you, I love this big heart of yours, stay true to yourself. Xoxo. Rafaella, from Paraíba- Brasil.

Hi 22 year old girl from a small town 🙂
Just found your blog while browsing bloglovin… I am really not the guy reading that much text, maybe because I am from Germany and for me it is not that easy to read english text… but your photos are so beautiful!!! I like your style and hopefully there will be much more in the next time, I will visit “you” again 😉
Peter

I had no idea you were recieving hate.Why would people do that,I simply cannot understand.I never wrote you anything because I didn’t feel important enough for you to read what I feel towards you,and I still don’t think I am,but this time I will share my feelings.I have never in my life came across someone’s writting that could reach to my heart and soul in such ways.You,your words,they way a bunch of letters put in the right order by you,you fascinate me.Along with your gorgeous beyond words photographs,you’ve helped me find the beautiful and peace I knew I had inside me but couldn’t reach to them.I am not much,just another face in the crowd,but I hope you believe me when I tell you I love you with every single piece of my fragile heart.
-an 18 year old lunatic from Romania

Hey, Nirrimi! It’s the first time I come here, but I follow your blog and your work since 2012. I really love your history, your courage and your sensibility. You inspire me, and you helped me to write a new story. So, I just can tell you that you’re a wonderful 22 years old girl, so pretty and talented. Therefore, dry your tears and smile: you’re have a big fan here <3
Hugs!

The way you write your texts, I always though of you as a beautiful character of a book. Seeing you in the video made me realise, like you said, that you are real. It’s like seeing another dimension of this caracter and let me tell ya, it’s even more beautiful! Seeing that you are still a young woman with passion and silliness in yourself make my heart glows. Don’t be worried about ‘being serious, you are a mum’, the best mums around are the ones who can still have fun with their kiddos. Much love, C. xxx

You know what, I love you. We are the same age, and I have always preferred your personal blogs. When I started with photography, I wanted to do fashion. I quickly became unsatisfied with that and couldn’t find my niche. When I found your blog and saw how you documented your life, I became inspired to document my life, the lives of my friends, and the lives of strangers. I found my niche because of what you do. Coming to your blog, seeing your life in photos and in words has felt like home to me.
But I will share one ugly truth with you. I did not first discover you through your blog, but elsewhere on the internet, and it was not initially a good experience. Upon first discovering that you were my age, a photographer, found love and got to travel the world with this love, I was so jealous. I did not feel hatred for you, but hatred for myself for not being good enough at life. I went straight to my mother with my woes, whining about how I wanted to be doing those things, and I got in return words that impacted me and completely took away my jealousy for you and for anyone til this day. “That’s not your story.” I chewed on those words for a week, found your blog and looked through it with fascination, and with love. I am so grateful to you for doing what you do. I look back on my brief jealousy over you as foolish teenage stuff, but looking back, I believe I handled it well, immediately acknowledging my feelings as envy, not hatred, never having wished any ill will upon you, and turning it into positive action.
Thank you. Thank you for opening your beautiful heart. Thank you for choosing vulnerability. In my teenage years I always chose vulnerability. It never frightened me, until I entered adulthood and suffered the negative consequences of it. Lately I have been closed off, with walls miles long. But this entry you wrote has reminded me why all those years I did not fear being vulnerable. It may have recently caused me pain, but it also caused a lot of people to find a friend within me, it made me be a safe place for people I care about to go to for love, to be listened to and never judged. People who spread hate never get to feel the pure joy, love, and gratitude of having people tell them “I love talking to you, you are so genuine and kind.” I have been thanked so many times for being vulnerable, and you have too, and you know why that is? It is because being vulnerable allows people to connect with you, to see your soul, and to love it. I feel sad for the haters, who cannot open their minds or hearts enough to feel that beautiful connection we all share. I feel sorry for them for not being able to be honest with themselves about why they are so angry. I feel sorry for them for missing out on what life truly is.
You have, in this post just reminded me of that, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Hi!
You are adorable. Absolutely stunning. Your words played so great role in my life, you can’t even imagine. I’m from Russia, and you warm light shines here on me through the screen. All I wish for you is strength and wisdom to stand and keep on spreading your love and talent. You are incredible and I can’t be more grateful. Love.

Lovely! I am so glad you write from your heart. It allows me to open mine in my life after reading you words and see your honest and raw photos. I just adore how you see the little things in life for the beautiful wonders that they are. I am actually so in awe of you! I am 21 and more mature than my age but also not so mature in all the good ways. I just admire you for taking chances and going against what is “normal”.

So much love to you and your sweet little family.
Keep writing, snapping, traveling, and being beautiful.

Love, inspired reader.

P.S you remind me of Elenore from earthsprout. Her words are so heart warming as well.

Nirrimi you are so incredible!!! Thank you for your constant honesty & beautiful words+images! You make this world a better place! I really look up to you and you’re younger than me! Hahahaha you are so strong and so talented! I am so proud of you for being who you are! And fighting past the neg. For anyone to say anything remotely not nice about you is their business!! Cause who you are is based on how you are as a person. And you are one of the most loving beings alive!! So there is NOTHING bad that anyone can say about you!! I’ve been trying to learn that myself. Anyway I love you Nirrimi, keep being you!! <3 muah! Xoxo Ps. What Edi from Poland said above my comment, about there being magic when just reading your blogpost full of paragraphs & images for a few minutes is totally n utterly true! I feel that every time I'm on here!!

I had no idea you experienced such hate! To me you are amazing, i’ve loved your photography for years, envied your skills and your confidence in wanting to start a family young, of knowing who you are. I don’t think i have ever read such beautiful writing as you have written on here over the years, your point of view on the world is so unique and lovely and I hope you continue to do so as It is clear your are much appreciated by so many people

Hey everyone who has posted here. I’m glad to know there’s so many people capable to feel and appriciate the sensibility and love of this blog. As Nirrimi said, world is full of good people, even though there still so many unconsciousness that causes so much pain all around. However, we have to believe that someday all of them will also trascend into this sate of peace and love, as self evolution comes for all of us.
I think that’s what this blog is all about, just another human being like all of us sharing her dayly growth and evolution. Don’t be afraid Nirrimi, it’s true that all of us commit some mistakes and we got carried away for our egos (undestanding ego for all those negative things you thing you’re which you’re not really) but that’s what’s necessary to keep going and learning. You said we’re all the same and you couldn’t be more right. I think that’s the more important statement which we should internalize to do good for ourselves and so to the world. Maybe you htink you’re becoming vulnerable by doing what you’re doing here but you have all the support of people that are just like you, just like all.
Don’t know if you know him, or if you’ll read this but I have a favourite author which helps me undestand the things that happen in life: Eckhart Tolle. Glad if it can help anyone of you.
As my mum says: Everything’s going right (as there’s no other way it can go).

I’m a ‘woman of a certain age’ – your words resonate with all ages- I love your way with words and with photography. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve encountered so much hate and negativity. Sending love and good vibes your way.

Hi Nirrimi, my name is Edi (I’m from Poland). I don’t wanna use a big words or sounds pathetic but when I’m reading your blog, just for this few minutes, I feel that there’s still magic in this world and there’s some many amazing people who I will meet someday and it’s worth to wait for. Thank you for that.

I think, as you grow older, and gain more ‘life’ experience, not simply situational ones, you will learn and realize what is truly important and what is not. Honey, you are just a child regardless of your extraordinary experiences. A human brain is not even fully developed until the 25th year. Embrass your youth while you still feel you can. You do not have to explain yourself to anybody, and you will eventually wholeheartedly learn this too. My dear, it should not matter to you what others think of you, and with growth one day it no longer will; what once mattered will be replaced by what is truly most important-only what you think of yourself.

I think at times, we as viewers and readers and followers forget that you are a real, tangible person as well. You have a life filled with ups and downs, just like us. I know that for me, personally, I forget that about you. I often find myself envying your seemingly wondrous life, but never in a hateful way, always in a whimsical way that fuels my desire to travel and to meet new people. I often times overlook the beauty of the place that I live because I have grown used to its landscape and thriving culture, but when I view your images and read your words, I’m reminded that all places have their beauty, whether it’s the place itself or the people living amongst it. I have been following your journey’s for many years and have never found the courage to type a reply. But you always have been and always will be more than enough. You have brought immense amounts of joy, of hope, of insight, of love, of happiness to my life. And for that, lovely girl, I thank you. Warm hugs to you and your baby girl from Chicago.

wow! you are so stunning. i have always thought so but up until now i have never really realised how much. i guess because im not just seeing you through photos, but a video where you move and talk, yes i guess it makes so “real” like you said. always remember your beauty my friend, both inside and out. lots of love. and as a side not, your friends dad is robin williams?! that is very cool. i am very sorry for her loss but then once again happy as she has got to know this amazing man personally. much love, tilly x

I have always loved your blog but with your recent posts you have adopted this incredible outlook on life and you are growing so much. I am so happy that you still feel you can share with us. There are not many people like you out there, and it’s a shame because you are so, so amazing. Thank you.

It is quite strange watching a video of you. You convey such innocence that isn’t shown in your images. Whenever I looked at you I thought, you are such a bold and strong girl, as if nothing would hurt you. But in reality you are just like me. It is mind blowing to think that there is a small person half across the world like you. I love your images, I love your letters sent halfway across the world that seem to always impact me. You are a beautiful person and I hope you continue to be beautiful, loving, and kind.

I just wanted to say… I don’t even remember how on earth I came across with your beautiful blog, but I always thought you are at least 30 years old! It’s because of the maturity of your photographs and texts. Keep going, don’t mind anybody’s negative attitude!

Hey nirrimi,
I love your photographs but have sometimes questioned your openness on this blog (but still enjoyed reading!) I think this post has made a powerful point about the importance of being candid and natural in this new, digital world, where it would be so easy to disguise and hide flaws. Don’t stop writing- your words give hope.

Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative.
I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue
this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!

Nirrimi; the world may seem a cold and cruel place, but please believe me when I tell you that many hundreds of people read your words and see kindness, beauty and love. I have followed your blog for countless months and each post takes my breath away. There is so much love that you cannot see… but it is there in abundance, I promise.

You are so wonderful and fantastic, Nirrimi! I´m 16 and fighting all these thoughts as well, it´s hard but it helps reading your amazing writing, watching your breathtaking pieces of art. You have inspired me in so many ways during the time I´ve been visiting your blog (maybe about a year). Your special and fantastic way of living, loving and embracing life has changed me in so many ways, and I will always be in debt to you for that. Oh, I wish I could meet you and hug you. Give sweet Alba a kiss on her forehead. Don´t stop with what you´re doing, Nirrimi. You change the world. In a good way.

i’ve been following your blog for years now, don’t know how old i was when i started but you were always some kind of idol for me. i never commented or wrote an email because i thought that i’m so little, boring and far away and you wouldn’t care anyway.

i’ve been also photographing a lot and i’m only one year older than you so i could always relate to you a bit. i recently stopped photographing because the feeling of superficiality grew inside of me. i wanted to be less shallow and to care less about how i and the others look and what i wear. but it helps me to stick with photography when i look at your pictures. altough you also only take pictures of beautiful things they often don’t seem shallow at all. they rather seem to be an insight in something really private and intimate. and that’s who you are for me, someone who see’s beauty in ordinary and little things, someone who gives a fragile insight into themself. through your writing and your photos you gave so much to me. i think i learned some important things from you although we never met, that’s why i am happy you never gave up on your blog. i must admit that i idealized your life as well. when you look at pictures of someone on blogs and social media you tend to only see the good things.

i admire you for living what you always wanted, having a child at a very young age (btw: i think you hear it everyday but alba seems so nice and cute), taking photos for a living, having lots of great people as your friends. although you are only a real and insecure person like everyone else something is for certain: i was always impressed by you for your mature decisions and your ability to see beauty.

thanks for sharing this, i will try to keep in mind always to choose love.

When I read this blog post I was astounded in every way you can imagine. Yes, by the true darkness that drives people to spread such hate to a wonderfully talented, eloquent writer/photographer like you, but also by the bravery and grace by which you have decided to handle the situation. Despite your understandable difficulties with this issue, you have somehow still remained inspirationally vulnerable and lovely. As is clearly evident in this post/video, not only are you a great, daring blogger, but a kind human being. Thank you for sharing yourself as you have, and choosing to create and keep such a beautiful blog. It has never ceased to enrich me even after the many years I have read it. Your open heart has helped many people.

Nirrimi I have been following you for years and years (from when your url was ‘weliveyoung’ haha) and I’ve always enjoyed your words and work immensely. I find it deplorable that people could be so hateful towards someone, please don’t let this negativity stop you from sharing your talents. Thank-you for being raw and real and inspirational and intriguing. You are very much loved and admired xx

I am shocked. You seem to be such a sweet, kind-hearted person, I literary cannot believe that somebody could write anything wrong about you, it is just beyond my imagination. Who are those people? Ugh.
So proud of you and so happy that you’ve never left us. Please stay strong, we need you.
You have many fans in my country, far, far away from yours. That means you’re the best.
Love from Poland<3
C.

Loved your words and your pictures from the first time I discovered your blog. It opened a new world for me, and I am always looking for more blogs like yours, but it is one of a kind. It is a world of bare open beauty. I don’t understand people using so much time and effort discussing you in a negative way… now even about you linking to it….?!.. But I guess it comes from jealousy, and jealousy comes from insecurity, and insecurity comes from bad experiences. When I meet people like that, being rude or just not very nice, I try to think about what they are struggling with to make them act like that. Still hurtful, but seeing them, not their words, makes me a better person I think.

I am so glad you’re willing to share your words because they are some of the most beautiful I have ever read. You are so brave for sharing them, and just a reminder that what you write really does make a difference to your readers.

I am always truly shocked when I read the awful things people write online. What possesses them to be so evil and vitriolic escapes me! I am also a food blogger and I have dreaded the day that this might happen to me. I so admire your strength and courage and wish you and your daughter love, light and happiness. I absolutely love your blog, please continue to be a wonderful inspiration to us all. xx

It’s weird to see you in video format. Weird in a good way, but it’s still feels weird. I think it’s easy to create a picture of you from your blog, and even though most of us know that a person is more than what you can gather from text and pictures, I found myself ideolizing you. Like you weren’t a flawed human being, with good days and bad. In my head it was hard to seperate you from the perfection I found in your words and photographs.
I would like to add that I do think you look gorgeous in front of a camera, as well as you make a beautiful photographer. I hope you keep writing the way you do, and keep letting us in your beautiful mind and see the world through you.

I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your website?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it
better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images.
Maybe you could space it out better?

Oh my… I’m glad you’re brave enough to open to us this way. I almost cry, I’m not a blogger but I was constantly bullied. People from my school keep talking about me. I know it’s very hard and sick. When I first started reading your blog and admiring your pictures I was so amazed I wanted to know more about you so I googled your name and that ugly non-human site appeared and I read the hate and God I was so perplexed I said “jeeesus, does she knows about this? People are so sick” it was hateful enough to make your tummy hurt. We need to take down all the hate, I hope people think twice this time. I have to admit in some moment I though you had the perfect life and everything but it’s not, everyone’s have crosses to bear and happy moments and bliss as well. I adore you so much Nirrimi, really!! I wish you could keep sharing your life cause I love knowing about you. I love the connection. Thanks for showing yourself on a video, you’re so so so sweet!
Maybe this exact moment in your life is tough but I think it also is blooming the best of you. Lot of luck and success. Love B (sorry that was a testament)

I somehow stumbled upon your blog just a few days ago. I myself, am a nomad. A fellow travelever, people lovin’, free spirited, eternal optimist who found one post (possibly an older one) and bookmarked your corner of the internet. I just recently made my way to a new city and I’m sure in a week or two once I feel more settled, I will fall into a black hole and devote an hour or two to reading your story. But I did read this post. I am just a few years older than you. Not a mother yet, but a new wife. I grew up in the thriving city of Nashville. And it was your words that touched my heart. Over the last few years I have experienced several interactions and experiences that relate to this. Whether that be related to a blog or instagram. There is always someone who has less than positive words. My friends and I have had countless conversations on the matter. About how to simply love that person, because they are human just like us all, to be upset or angry… or to just block it out none the less. It’s a slippery slope, this social media/interwebs. I say, let us all be ourselves. Let us share what we wish we to share. Let us love what we love and create positive and supportive relationships and not judge each other. It’s so hard sometimes. To compare lives with others that may seem like a piece of cake. But who’s life is really like that? We all hurt. We cry, we laugh, we have good days and we have tough ones. But we will all end up in the earth. Please friend, share your heart. Yes, your photography is inspirational but your words will be remembered. Never stop sharing your story!

You are inspiring, and not just because of your photography, but because of your courageous heart and honesty. Hate comes from places of pain and insecurity and when you let it go instead of becoming hateful as well, you prove that you are strong enough to listen to those voices in your head of love rather than those critical ones. We all feel small sometimes and hurt, but we are all in this together. In our world, love and positivity are often assumed while negativity has the need to be shared, but it shouldn’t be this way. You are loved and supported, especially for your honesty and vulnerability because we are all vulnerable on the inside and hearing an honest depiction of it makes everything feel a little less lonely. So, thank you. <3

You gorgeous girl, I guess because of your talent and all you’ve achieved in your few years it’s easy to forget how young you are. I’m double your age (plus a little!) and yet still feel admiration for the choices you’ve made and the life you’re living. I have never been able to understand online haters, truly cannot understand it. The effort involved in sending out hateful words to a stranger, why would you bother, how truly unhappy must those people be. I feel a lot of it must have been borne of envy and it’s a great shame they chose to use their energy directing hate at you rather than focussing on building themselves up.

You’re raising a beautiful daughter, living an amazing life with challenges of youth and life all mixed in together. You need to do what works for you, what makes you smile inside, I support whatever that is.

Beautiful words straight from the heart. Keep on writing, it is a marvelous gift to be in a position where you can overcome hatred and unkind words with love and compassion. I admire your courage. Tess x

Wow. I never would’ve thought that you’d experience online hate. Everything you put out into the online world has been amazingly insightful and positive. I don’t understand this online culture where people feel entitled and enjoy the tearing down of others. Maybe it’s jealousy or envy, but even then it isn’t justified. Nirrimi, I’ve followed your journey for a long time. I’m so invested in you and your story and I wish you all the best! We’re exactly the same age and we’re from the same hometown but you have been my mentor since I was 16. Don’t ever stop being who you are. You inspire us all.

Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was
wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
I would be fantastic if you could point
me in the direction of a good platform.

Oh my goodness, why are people so rude online? I never understand it, it doesn’t make any sense to me at all. I can’t imagine what they might say, but I won’t read it. Just know that those people don’t really matter, they are only making themselves look bad or feel better or whatever.

You have definitely been an inspiration to me, we are the same age and I’ve grown with you ever since deviantart. You were a huge influence on my own photography and I’ve met up photographers (Jess!) through this blog, and even visited Townsville when I lived in Australia. I was like “Omg Nirrimi and I have been in the same place!” It was so exciting, I wanted to absorb all the creative energy I could. I would have never had some of the best days of my life if it weren’t for your blog!

It takes so much courage to be kind and honest, especially in the way you are. I respect that so much. Anyway I sound like a “fan” but I feel like a friend. Your words and photos are so stunning and Alba is such a lucky girl.

Oh my goodness. I stumbled here through a link from my friend Erin. (also a blogger & photographer) All I can say is that you are wise for your young age. Many of us spend the better part of our twenties figuring out why people spit poison at our successes and shout out our shortcomings. It is a gift to see yourself and everyone as humans…. as more than the single moment you see them in. You are beautiful, talented, and obviously full of great love. You are a gift to this world. Keep shining girl. xo~

I wanted to let you know, that all the love you try to give to humanity and your readers/supporters is really welcome! And I am very sure, that this is not just in my eyes. You really make my life more livable and more enjoyable.

I would do anything to meet you one day. If this is possible anyhow, then let me know.

Can’t understand how people can talk negatively about you, you seem like the most sweetest, wonderful and loving girl alive. I’ve followed you many years, and i’ve always looked up to you and your photography. Keep on doing what you do, cause you do it very well and you inspire so many people! Lots of love from Norway

you are such a lovely and cute person and I can’t understand how ppl can say those words against you but as you know you have ppl that love you the way you are and love your blog your words your thoughts and personality. stay yourself and be strong. you are wonderful! oh and btw it’s stunning how much alba looks like you especially when I saw the video I saw alba all the time!

I love you too. You are one of the reasons I love blogs. You are soooo brave my dear. And such a good person/mother/artist/muse. Thank you for all these years of beauty, sharing and love in its many forms.

Wow, I actually just learned of your blog today, and am so glad I did. Although, stunned and saddened that there is that much hate out there. I admire you for pushing through it, knowing exactly who you are and being brave enough to share vulnerably.

Your writing is devoid of arrogance. It is rare and saves me, because i’m quite self-conscious and easily influenced by other people’s lives that i deem better than my own. But somehow reading your beautiful and gentle posts make me feel serene and at peace, confident that all my puzzle pieces are bound to make a beautiful picture. You do not impose your thoughts, lifestyle, or choices on anyone, and to be able to achieve that with only words on a screen is a magic power.
Seeing this video of you had the expected effect on me: it showed me that you were real, and it almost made me cry. I was amazed at how emotional it felt to finally “meet” you.
I want to thank you for the subtle effect your blog has had on my life (which i realise now was not so subtle considering the emotional avalanche i felt at seeing you on camera!). You have a small army behind you of souls you’ve touched, let us give back to you what you keep giving us.
XXX
Juliette

Thank you for sharing this, Nirrimi. You are truly a beautiful person inside and out. I’m not gonna lie, like many others, I used to think of you as this sweet young girl with a perfect life but thank you for showing me that you, like me and everyone else, are only human and you have real feelings and emotions that we all have every now and then. You are truly a huge inspiration and I’m sorry for the pain that some people have caused you through the harsh words they say to you. You don’t deserved any of it. Unfortunately, that’s kind of what jealousy does I suppose. Never stop inspiring and showing me and the world that it’s okay to be your true self, that you don’t have to pretend to not feel pain. This is something I am slowly but surely learning. So much love to you and Alba. X

Dear Nirrimi,
You have captured the hearts of so many people, given them hope, courage and inspiration in times of darkness, shown them beauty through your images that capture true life and shared your gift of writing with thousands. You are beautiful in more ways than one and for all the negativity, their is a bounteous light of love and support for you.
Emily xxxxxx

Thank you so very much for all the inspiration and love that you have brought into my life and the lives of all your readers. You are so strong and such a force for good in this world. I’ve been following your work for five years now and you’ve never ceased to amaze me with your creativity and skill at both photography and writing. I’m two years older than you, but I look up to you for many things, not just your amazing photography. You are a wonderfully multidimensional person, and you have allowed us to share in your triumphs and delights as well as your shortcomings. You have shown us all that even those we idolize are not perfect, and that is something to be celebrated. YOU are someone to be celebrated! You have given so much of yourself to everyone you’ve touched in this world, and despite the haters there are the vast majority of us who love you. You say you are grateful for us and that you love us – well we love you back and are equally grateful that you are a part of our lives. You are a beautiful soul and we will always love and support you. We will always be here for you – we’ve got your back.
Love,
Graham

simply put, you’re a good person with a good heart and you write beautifully and take wonderful photos. keep doing what you’re doing because it’s working and there are people out there who want to read and see your digital self. xo

hello!
this is really weird for me, honestly. you posted this only today, and there are so many comments, and i feel hesitant to write anything in case you don’t see… somehow though, i feel like this is the perfect opportunity to finally say something to you.. we all lead busy lives, but people still take the time to scrawl their names onto bridges and buildings, whether they will be painted over or worn away or not. i don’t know how my signature on the golden gate is doing, but i also don’t worry if anyone will read it. this is kind of the same thing.
way back when, i remember seeing the picture you took of your sister as a daily deviation back in 2008. i was about fifteen years old, and i remember thinking, how could someone only a year older than me create such beautiful images? i looked at all of your photos that day, and i was so inspired to get behind a camera myself, and since then i’ve tried my best to seek out moments of beauty and capture them with my own camera.
it’s been six years now, and i know i’m not the only one who has followed you this long, and so many even longer! i feel silly to admit it (not in a bad way), but you’re one of the people who has helped from a distance to shape the person i am now, at age twenty-one. when you found love, i felt happiness! when you were hurting, i wished i could say something to help. when you traveled and had brilliant adventures, i was grateful you decided to share them. and when you had alba, it hit me that i’ve been reading your blog and following your work so long that you’ve become a mother, and i wonder if i’ll still be reading in ten years time, just to see how you’re doing.
i’ve had a lot of my own adventures, but i think if it were not for reading about your not-so-conventional life path so far, i wouldn’t have been brave enough to become a traveler myself. so many people whose thoughts i had come to love reading and listening to, whose lives i came to care about through their blogs just disappeared or i lost somehow. the only story i’ve been able to keep up with for so long is yours, and if not because it’s easy to type “th-” into the searchbar before it autofills to theroadishome, then because i honestly, really feel like i’ve grown up with you in a one-sided, admiring kind of way. i will never stop wishing you to experience the love and happiness the world has to offer. i feel really mushy about it, i’ve been in south korea studying for over a year now and it has crossed my mind more than once that i wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t taught me to be brave and leap into life. it sounds like a big credit, and it is, but it’s true. no books i had read, no friends i ever made, just nirrimi and her art and her blog and her love of the world that prompted me to begin… well, my life. haha.
so thank you. thank you for being such a talented, adventurous person, for being a beautiful girl and a loving mother, for being willing to share with us the things that cause you pain, at the risk of it causing more. we all have our hours of darkness, but without darkness we wouldn’t even know what light is, right? you are strong and you’ve touched the hearts of so people many for so long, it has never crossed my mind that you are anything but a kind, wonderful human being. wherever you end up, there are people all over the world who would catch you if you fell. me included (but no guarantees on a soft landing)! i love you like a good friend, and thank you for helping me grow up into someone who is able to find beauty in the most uncanny of places. 고마워.

You come across as a lovely, grounded, beautiful on the inside and out person. You attract good into your life because of it. The bad is just people who are dissatisfied with their own lives and jealous of what they perceive yours to be. We all have insecurities of course like thinking we don’t deserve happiness etc. and that is making you question yourself and your worth but life is about happiness and joy. Life is about letting all that goodness in. Our fight to stay little just so other people feel better is pointless. We are all wonderful and you or i can’t make other people feel better. they can only do that themselves. So why not let your light shine in the world? Someone i can’t remember has a saying going something like this: you could be the ripest juiciest peach in the world and somewhere someone just doesn’t like peaches! Food for thought eh (I couldn’t resist the pun!). Shine on regardless Nirrimi, it’s y/our only job in life if you think about it. x

I just want to say thank you for everything you do. I respect your photography but even more I love your blog posts. I am going through a very difficult period in my life (I have lost my little brother a month ago) but I think I always try to think with optimism and love and try to help my parents and friends who are all very hurt after the loss. I am pretty sure some of this thinking and mind set are because of you and your shared stories and posts.

Being anonymous can make people so cruel. It’s always about them, never about the person they are being hateful about. Though of course, that doesn’t make it easier getting all those hateful comments. I love reading your blogs and watching your images. It always brings something; some emotion or some calmness, whatever it is you are writing about. x

Your post today brings out the protective mom in me! And I am old enough to be your mom 🙂 Sometimes when reading your blog, I almost forget how young you really are! You are a strong, beautiful, independent and talented young woman and don’t ever listen to the mean spirited people in this world. Your little girl is lucky to have a mama like you to look up to!

I’ve been following your blog for quite a while now & I’ve enjoyed your beautiful writing time and time again. There is a lot of you to be found in me, which has made me feel less lonely or different at times. It has given me the strengths & the bravery to start my own blog, where I try to be as honest as I dare to be. And like you say, it’s hard at times, it’s scary & sometimes I wish I could stop writing right from the heart. But then again writing from the heart is all I ever want to do. And each time I doubt whether what I attempt to do is the right thing to do, I turn to beautiful, heartfelt blogs like yours to be reminded of the importance of staying true to oneself. So, thank you so very much for that.

Dear girl, you’re inspiring, you’re talented, you’re beautiful & you are incredible brave. And the fact that you are ‘just’ a girl, like me & like so many, doesn’t change any of these things. If anything, it makes you even greater, more beautiful & braver, because we all know how extraordinarily hard is can be to be ‘just’ ourselves.

Hello my love,
You’re phenominal. Thankyou so much for this post. This was a beautiful reminder to me that it is normal to put people (and their lives) on a Peddlestall and think that they have it so perfect, its so clear to me that that’s not the case. Its a lesson that Ive been learning in the 20’s that no one has all their shit together, and that everyone feels things fully and makes mistakes and has it hard sometimes.
Thankyou for sharing your love with me. Its reciprocated. Come to melbourne, Ill cook you pizza Xxxxx Bex (@bex_inreallife)

Hi Nirrimi! I love your blog, your texts and your photographs. Everytime you post something, you inspire me. And thousands and thousands of others. I wish I could meet you someday and tell you everything I want to tell you in real life. But for now I just want you to know that your blog has meant a lot to me.

/ Love from Sweden.

PS. It was lovely to hear your voice and I thank you for sharing this.

Oh Nirrimi, you are so lovely. It’s so nice to see a video of you and see how real you are. I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and I’ve seen (read) you go from a somewhat naive, but wise beyond her years teenager, to a wonderful mama to sweet Alba. I’m a few years older than you, and you inspire me in so many ways. I can’t believe how cruel some people can be to strangers online. It is so unnecessary. And like you said, this world is filled with too much darkness and needs more light. I’m so grateful that you are sharing your light with the world. Don’t let the darkness dim your flame. I can only hope that one day I will get the chance to meet you and be able to give you a hug too 🙂
Love and light to you xo

Hey Nirrimi – Haters are going to hate. Your words and experiences give so much inspiration and love and pwer to others. The louder the haters are, the louder we need to be too. We’ve got your back. Love.

You deserve all the amazing experiences in your life. It is yours because you attracted them. Beautiful things come your way because you are beautiful 🙂 Just remember that always. Reading about your journey, hardships, and the way you lovingly raise Alba is one of the most inspiring things to me. I’ve always been a silent reader full of admiration and I feel almost guilty never expressing my gratitude towards you. So I’m taking this opportunity to let you know that I feel the love and thought you put into everything you show and everything you write. Thank you for your courage and vulnerability. Thank you for being you.

Nirrimi, this was a very encouraging post to read! You are always an inspiration and I love reading your posts. You have a very mature soul, and even though I am nearly a decade older than you, I can still relate with some of the things you go through. We really are all the same, yet so unique. I’m glad you were able to rise above all the negativity and darkness you faced in the past, and to fight it with love is a very brave and admirable thing to do. I too have been a victim of cyber bullying and the first time it happened was when I was 18. It crushed me and at the end of the day, I had to realize that none of what they said was true– like you said, the people who know and love us for who we are, flaws and all are the only ones that matter. The world can be such a cruel place and I’m sorry we’ve all had to experience that. It only reminds me of how broken we are without God. Religion or not, I believe we are all loved immensely by God and He accepts us fully for who we are– He is the light amidst the darkness we face each day, and the reason for joy in my own life. I pray that you would fully experience that immense joy and incredible peace! Blessings to you and you family <3

Hi, idont speek very good english, i am a 22 old girl from switzerland (rxnniedxmani on instagram). but i want you to know, that you are one of my greatest inspirations. great, powerful, awesome, beautiful. you are one of the reasons, why i dont give up to fight for my dreams. and one of my dreams is, to make my life beautiful, like you show us, its possible. little things, picknick in a park, bathing in a river, all those things, not necessary for living, but the best for the soul. i absolutely adore your blog and every picture on it. i hope so much, that i will see more and more pictures from you, alba and the other beautiful persons around you. you are like a dream, and i want to live such a beautiful life too. please, don’t stop ever to writer such great blogposts, even its the internet.
you are my inspiration. and beautiful, inside and outside. and alba is the sweetest little child i ever have seen on photos!!!

Thank you, Nirrimi, for helping to inspire me to become a mama. Such a big leap in life but one that can be filled with so much love and joy. I’m only just beginning to see… My little one is full term today, I can’t wait to meet him. You helped take away the fear that might have made me take a different path when this one feels so right. It is a powerful love that can touch another person, a stranger even – ten years older than yourself and half the world away. Kisses from me and my family xxx

This was really beautiful, and it’s so nice to see and hear a video, to contrast and replace the voice in my head which reads out your blog posts. I can’t believe how different I imagined you to be!
I remember seeing you in Sydney around Circular Quay close to two years ago now, with Alba and some others. I really wish now that I had said something, because how often does something like that happen! It’s funny how seeing you was like seeing someone I knew, only to remember that I’ve never met you (then I hurried away too nervous to say a thing!).
I hope that you continue to look past all of the people who are trying to take away from your success and positivity. I don’t want to make assumptions, but generally we hate when those with similar qualities who are recognised for them (and not ourselves), and we feel cheated.

It takes strength to pull through people’s negativity N. Your words are born from your experiences and your trials but they are perfect, soulful and alive. I love each post you do because of how much to give out to the world. Like your video says 100k follow you, and for me being one, I am go glad you share what you do with everyone. I hope that for each negative comment you have hundreds of love crushing it from your thoughts <3

Nirrimi, you’re so creative lovely and kind and honest and the world smiles more with you on it (so it seems for me) 🙂
You bring hope. You create goodness. You make your readers try do deal good and fair in their own life like you do. I can’t say how glad I am for founding this beautiful blog with this AWESOME you in it!
Stay strong in your life, keep the person you are. Go on your way, ‘the road is home’ 🙂
Thank you so much for every post and everything picture you share with us. :)) ♡

Dearest Nirrimi, all my love from Townsville (via Japan). I remember when you were 15 in Townsville and starting to burst out into the world in your own special way. I wrote to you a few times trying to get you to shoot some of my friends playing music. You then also magically ended up living with my lovely Romanian friend in Melbs. Since that point, my witnessing you grow and blossom into who you are now has left me speechless with admiration. There is nothing you could do that will ever change my mind about you. You are the essence of love and kindness all bundled into one human being. You influence hundreds of thousands of people every day. I look forward to seeing you continue to live, love and learn. xxx

Hi Nirrimi, I have never commented here before even though I have been following your blog since you were 17! I love your photos and blog posts! Please don’t let rude comments stop you. I am the same age as you and also from Australia and I have loved the little insights into your life. I read 4 pages of that forum and felt so sick. I have no idea why people would feel the need to write such horrible things that are purely based on assumptions they have made from a small amount of online information. It’s crazy. I am sorry you ever had to read it too!
Love sophie

Ok, I never wrote here before, I follow your blog since you start it, but today I feel that I need to, because you need to know that you are not alone.
I am your fan, a mexican fan by the way (: and I love you. For me you are special, your words and your beautiful way to see the life and show us trough the lens make me feel so alive, so alive that I can´t describe it. You show us such a delightful way to see reality, so full of beauty, like when you have your baby, or when you write for her, it make me cry to feel all the love and the emotions I didn´t even know I have. We feel with you Nirrimi, we feel thanks to you.

So.. I don´t know if the things I wrote have any sense, but all I want is to thank you for every day you take the time to post here. I send you a big hug, lots of love and happy thoughts. (:

Oh Nirrimi. You are truly amazing. I hope by all these comments you know how much you inspire and enrich the lives of the many who follow your life. Thank you for your honesty, your gracious transparency. I’ve been reading your blog for years and watching your video I feel like an ecstatic little girl who’s finally met her favourite childhood celebrity. Please keep writing. Your words are beauty and you capture the world in ways I only dream I could. X

Nirrimi, I think you’re a very beautiful person who loves fiercely, your light shines bright in your writing and pictures. And I think you’re a wonderful inspiration for all of us–you remind us what life should be like and how to be ourselves. You have a raw talent in all that you do and in turn, I believe you have become the digital home for all of us. I can only fathom what it takes to do what you do, to share what share, and to experience the highs and lows of your day to day life. I hope that someday I could meet you and return that hug you’d share with us if you ever get to see us.

Anyway, thank you for sharing with us your life with honesty and love. And I hope you always remember to find love and a home within yourself 🙂
–Raleighe Gonzales

There is something fundamentally wrong with gaining something from putting other people down. I know that we have all at times done something or said something that we regret but hopefully we have been able to apologise and make it right. There is no excuse for putting someone else down to make yourself feel better, and ultimately it won’t work!

Thank you very much for your beautiful words. It reminds us all that what we say and do on the internet is not just to a blank computer, but to people who read and feel everything. I have found your blog posts to be intelligent, articulate and at times incredibly moving. I really hope you can continue because I love to read your blog.

Thank you for your call to action. It is a timely reminder to us all to watch our words, thoughts and actions because as much as I feel like no one is really taking me seriously, my words, thoughts and actions do have power and we all need to be very careful of that.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, I think you’re an incredibly inspiring woman (which I know is a whole other burden i’m sorry!).

Like I always say, your life and your beautiful art are an inspiration in my own life. Unfortunately, a lot of people is unable to tolerate the happiness of others, but you have to focus on this experiences to help you grow and be better, and refuse the evil. Let them talk. The truth is simple and always comes to light. I had a chance to talk for a little while to you on Skype a few months ago (remember that girl who could not operate the microphone?), And I can assure you that your look is pure honesty and love. Please, never drop your arms. Life is very difficult, but it’s still beautiful, and from the ugly things is where we learn and grow more. Here you have a friend, I always offer my heart and my ears for when you need a word of encouragement or advice, despite not know us personally and be many miles away. But that’s they point: you get what you give, and multiplied. Thank you for filling my soul with art and gratitude forever.

Never lose sight of the fact that the venom with which some have pursued you has NOTHING to do with you or your life. It is a black hole they have within and you are easy scapegoat. The only thing scarier than being the person on the receiving end of that phone call is being the person who made such a call.

Nirrimi….. I just wanted to to let you know that i love your outlook on life… it’s deep and pure…. I love your honesty and knowing that theirs beautiful souls still out there, it truly brings me so much happiness! Whenever I read anything you have written or see one of your photo’s I feel love and warmth… I feel like I’m connecting with a part of my inner being that i never knew existed…. It’s refreshing and makes me look at things in a whole other light and I want to say thank you for teaching me to connect and see another side of myself….. you are an amazing woman and very talented! Thank you for letting us look at the world through your eyes…. and that’s the start of a better understanding and more and more LOVE <3 xo

Hello Nirrimi,
I must admit as soon I started following you I thought you had this perfect life, how young and accomplished you are with Alba, travelling and so on, I became jealous, but at the same time you inspire me to become the person I want to be. And that holds a lot within my heart. You are beautiful. And now finally seeing the digital you, talking with such a beautiful and wholesome voice, it’s kinda crazy but damn, you are more perfect than I imagined, because you are showing everyone that you are not perfect, with insecurities like everyone else, is brave and very role model like.
I send you love, blessings and I hope you keep being your self and grow more into being a wonderful person!

Nirrimi – you are filled with so much beauty! You bring so much love and light into this world. Thank you for sharing your time, your talents and your wonder. I’m so grateful for your strength in all the obstacles you face – were it not for that, none of us would get to see and share in your journey through your heartfelt words and photographs. Your vulnerability and honesty is inspiring. You make this world a better place!

Nirrimi, I follow your work since you were pretty-as-a-picture, it goes back 7 years or so. However, I think this is the first time I leave a comment in here. Even though I’m two years older than you, I’ve learnt so much from you. You’re a good person, one of the best, I dare to say, and you have a gift to inspire the best on people. Just keep doing what you do and try not to pay attention to those who hate – they are only sad souls, trying to make themselves feel better.
And thank you so much for the video! Now I know how to pronounce your name correctly (I always pronounced it in a brazilian way: “nee-hee-mee”).
Love,
Fernanda.

I recently left a post on a blog that quickly after I felt ashamed of. I’ve often read cruel comments and wondered why people thought it was necessary to be so cruel. At the time when I was writing the comment it was because I had disagreed with the post. I had interpreted the content in a way that didn’t sit well with me. And as a community I felt as though I could counter the conversation with another view. But as much as I tried my comment wound up as nothing more than harsh belittling words. Even now days later I still feel horrible. That’s not the person I am and at the end of the day in the world of blogging those types of opinions aren’t needed or warranted. I wrote an email apologizing to the author and it’s made me reflect a lot on myself and this world we live in today, where sometimes we (I) become too entrenched in the virtual. I most certainly want to build up this community not tear it down. I think this post just notes a lot of what I’ve been thinking, thank you for sharing it.

I’ve also read a long time and never commented. I was sad when you stopped blogging as I found you to be a breath of fresh air but could totally understand why you left. Your mothering inspires me as well as your honesty and vulnerability…… Thank you for being YOU and sharing your soul with us. <3

I have never left a comment with you before but I feel I need to now- Nirrimi, you are so lovely! Your work inspires me, your writing inspires me, your strength inspires me. We are the same age and I am constantly in awe of all you do. Truly.

I can see you are kind, sweet, silly and “just you” as you said. I can’t imagine anyone sending negativity your way because you only send love our way. The experiences you share are beautiful, moving, and I feel like I connect with so many of your thoughts. Thank you for sharing all you do but don’t ever feel like you have to share something you don’t feel comfortable with. I will support you always!

I’m so happy you exist, Nirrimi! I think our minds turn in a similar way. Maybe we will be friends one day. Until then- sending big hugs, sunshine, and love your way.

not sure if you will ever get to read this…..however, this post has touched me. i have never quite understood the happiness it seems to bring people when they put others down. i was bullied terribly when i was in junior high….kids would spit on me, put gum in my hair, call my home all hours of the night, boys making terrifying advances, girls for that matter too, it was horrific and now at 30 years old it still affects me and it sucks. it hardened me so intensely and i have zero trust for anyone. and at this very moment, i am reliving it all again as my oldest child is experiencing such ridiculous negativity. my heart hurts and the pain is amazingly huge. i have always cared what others thought and said about me, i always wanted to please, but i feel like it is just now hitting me that i cant care about that, as long as i take care of my family and live right, what else matters….but it is in our nature to dwell on negativity and we need to train ourselves and our young dwell on positivity because like you said there is so much darkness all around and that fears me for all 4 of my children. your blog is beyond lovely and i find so much inspiration here…please dont stop blogging xoxo ~Ashley

I’ve been following your photos since you were on flickr. and when you made weliveyoung and continued here i was ecstatic. you continually inspire me through your photos. ive always felt like my photography wasnt good enough but seeing you and how close our ages were together made me try and try again. and then i saw you write and i loved it because it was honest. always so deathly honest that it makes people feel what youre feeling and hopefully learn what youre learning and that to me is beautiful, because what is the purpose of writing if not for conveying?

people can be cruel sometimes and im sorry you had to go through that but thank you. thank you for still standing here for us. it may seem selfish, but thank you because my life would have been very different – less brave and less daring – if it werent for your courage. thank you for being bigger than the people who have caused you pain, because now you make a difference if those thousands of people following you, whether or not they go through the same experiences as your. thank you for opening the minds and hearts of thousands and breaking boundaries.

I don’t get much of an opportunity to read and follow but occasionally drop by to see your beautiful work. Noticed a kind of melancholy in you but of late you seem happier. More at peace and relaxed less anxious. It comes through in your words and images. Whatever is happening for you right now is obviously a wonderful thing.

aw dear Nirrimi, I am trying to put the words together to say something.

I’ve been following your blog and somehow your life for so long. Like I was 14 when I discovered your blog and I’ve been following you since then ( now I’m 17 ). I always at the begining thought you had perfect life! But then I realized you were a normal person just as me, as everyone. Since that moment I started feeling more and more inspired by your beautiful soul. And you are so nice and powerful!
I always end up crying whenever I read a post of your blog or a facebook status of yours. And it’s not because what you write I sad or pity, It’s because it’s real. It’s pure , it’s life. And your beautiful soul had inspired me to make that change in my life and to spread the word to others ♥ You are part of my favourite people on theworld. Keep being just you. With all of your flaws and pros.

So you remind me of the thing I wish to be and it is embodied in my favourite poem (bear with me, I am going to visually recite at you)
The sun finally admitted
I am just a shadow
I wish I could show you
The infinite incandescence that has cast my brilliant image
I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness
The astounding light
Of your own being

So that’s that. But you are very capable of showing people the beauty and magic in themselves and you should have that too. You are beautiful. You are magic and no matter how ordinary your life does good people. You are good.

YOU ARE AMAZING NIRRIMI! I’ve never commented before but now I have to. I just love your writing and I think your photography is magical. I wish I could just squeeze together all those hateful comments and horrible things people have said to you and cover them up with all the love people feel towards you and your words and pictures, but I know it doesn’t work that way. However big the love is, things that are meant to be hurtful will hurt the same. But NEVER forget how much you mean to so many more people and that we are always on your side. It was great that you posted this and you’re just as adorable and real in the video that I thought you’d be. I’ve never understood why people hate on the internet and I hope that we can make it stop together. Much love <3

oh my word, the video! I really liked it. I love your words, they inspire and make me slow down, reading mindfully. I too tend to romanticize things all around in my mind even if it doesn’t seem that way outwards, but that’s what I put into lots of written words. Anyway, you’re so sweet in the video and it put a nice real moving face behind your words (because sometimes a picture can’t show as much, however beautiful it may be). Keep on doing what you do, x

you’re so amazing, you have so much wisdom and love for someone so young. thank you for not disappearing just because people are awful. i can’t imagine anyone hating you, you exude nothing but light and love. thank you for being you and sharing your beautiful images and daughter with us. <3

I am glad that you choose to fight hate with love, i found your writings and pictures truly inspiring, i hope you will continue to do it..i wish for you strength so the darkness cannot knock you down, some people are angry and unloving because they own problem, you can protect yourself by not being around them/not reading their expression..and if one time you feel so hurt by their action please remember that its another chance to grow your soul, to love more and forgive..

Don’t take this the wrong way, but I didn’t know you were popular, I think cos I started reading recently or something… gosh, people have sent you hate mail etc? How absolutely horrid!! 🙁 I just read your posts cos I liked your honest perspective and, of course, beautiful images. I didn’t know any of this back story… man, people suck sometimes and you are so brave for speaking openly about it and tackling this issue. You’re a wonderful soul with a great way with words (and images) . Love.

Dear Nirrimi, you’re juste such an inspiration to me. I follow you since years, before your pregnancy, and to me, you’re very important. I know we’re not friends beccause we don’t have the chance to meet each other but ONE DAY, I hope so much that we will be on beach sharing some laugh, smile, sadness like happiness. You know, I’m growing with your texts and your images. Sometimes they make me cry, or laugh but always in a good way. I’m young, I just turned 18 last week. So we’ve got so much time to meet us. And I’m sure, really sure, one day we will meet us ! So don’t forget one of your biggest french fan ! I send you so much love, happiness, strength and beautiful things (and also for your sweet daughter, Alba) !
With love love love love
Marion Lefeuvre

I love you. You are adorable. Never stop being you and sharing with us. You make this fellow 22-year old feel better and her crazy life because you make me feel like no matter what, everything will be okay and that I can do it and be strong. You are an inspiration.

Hi Nirrimi!!!! Oh goodness, I love when you post new blog entries but one with a VIDEO?!! AHHH!!!!!! I have no idea how I came across your blog several years ago but it didn’t take long before I was hooked. I read all of your previous entries and was thinking “is this girl for real”? Girl crush? Maybe, hah. But really it was just refreshing to see someone my age being unappologetically their raw self and putting their life and art out there to the world. Not only did I think your images were beautiful but I could instantly see that your soul was, too. And then you became a mama and my heart burst for you. If I could, I would be a young mama too. I think it is a special gift although not everyone appreciates it that way. You are so inspiring, of course you have that many followers silly lady!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. You are beautiful. Your courage and love are contagious. You, just as you are, are enough. If you are ever in Texas or want to visit, particularly Austin/Dallas, please let me know. xoxoxox

You are a powerful person. I type this quickly as my one year old son tries to wrestle the phone away from me. The blog entries around and after your birth story had a profound impact on me. Your words are part of the reason why I conceived a child and had a peaceful home birth at age 24. Your experiences as an artist and a mother matter!

Nirrimi, you are a good soul, spreading kindness and love. Know that you have always inspired me to share goodness and positivity. For every one person saying negative things, there are a hundred who are sending good vibes out to you, lovely lady <3

Marianne Williamson said it better than I ever could: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Wow seeing you talk, laugh and smile is amazing, we’ve always seen you in still pictures, so watching this is like meeting you for the first time. Hello Nirrimi, I adore you, and you’ve been an inspiration to me from the start of your blogging days! I’ve followed your photography, and story from when you posted everything on deviantart. You’re amazing always Nirrimi, and yes, very real too!
Becka

I honestly can’t believe why people would say that kind of things about you (or about anyone for that matter). I’ve been following your blog for a while and all I can do is admire you, because the pictures you take and the stories you write are so beautiful, and I’m truly amazed by how deep your thoughts are.

I really liked the video as well! It showed such a different side of you, and I thought you were so cute.

Some people live a lifetime and never reach a place where they can meet all they receive with kindness. I am a 29 year old woman mesmerised and inspired by you to be someone who strives to be a positive force in the world. Keep doing what you’re doing; for every one person who has the courage to email you and tell you how you’ve affected them, there are many who do not, and they need people like you desperately.

I’m always amazed by the depth of your pictures and how well you manage to put things into words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Honestly I think that certain people might have been jealous of your talent and that’s why they were trying to bring you down. This says a lot more about them than about you :). It’s good to hear that you came out stronger. Also you look very pretty, Alba has certainly got your eyes.

you are such a beautiful person, inside and out. thank you for sharing this with us and being so open and honest. it’s nice to know that someone as talented and wonderful as you is just as normal as us. 😉 i love the way you see the world, kindness is so much stronger than hate and we all need to share it instead of the hate. thanks for the inspiration. it’s so easy to get jaded in this world so we need people like you who remind us to be positive and share the love. 🙂

also i think you are such a wonderful mama (age shouldn’t matter), that little girl of yours is so very lucky.
much love <3

As a young mama to 2 boys, I had to deal with negativity and gossips from a young age too. But that really did toughen me up and it’s true, the ones who truly love you will know the true you and stick by you at the end of the day. Words from strangers or even “friends” can hurt us, but it’ll never bring us down or “kill” us. You’re a great mama to alba and I wish the both of you the very best! 🙂

Your amazingly beautiful and wise and strong. People who say negative things only are dis satisfied with their own lives. As mamas I think we become more vulnerable and string all at the same time. Through your blog and your words and pictures you speak many of the truths that we all feel. You have captured so many hearts and have so many people rooting for you. Don’t give up you have an army of people behind you willing you on and picking you up when you stumble xxx

You give me so much hope! I feel joy, watching your video and knowing, I’m not completely alone in this world. In a weird way, you just help me feeling human in this very moment! I wanna thank you deeply and let you know, that I will hug you massively back, if I’m ever so lucky to meet you in person!
Until that day, lots of love to you and Alba!

It really is something else… You know, like you said, to see you in person (digitally). It’s kind of like meeting you for the first time. I feel… grateful to hear that you feel grateful. I think that means a lot to us (your fans), especially those of us that have watched you blossom and evolve over the years. Seeing it and hearing it, especially at the end of your video, what you said, I really felt like you meant it and it was enormously touching.
I guess it’s a little odd saying all these things when we really don’t know each other. Most of us are strangers, in a sense, to you but, I think we’ve adjusted to the strangeness of it.
Anyway, I really enjoyed seeing you. We might never meet in person so I’ll go ahead and say that I hope we see you again!

On another note. About your “crush”. Let’s get real. You are a human being. Mother or not, crushing is perfectly acceptable and perfectly normal. Everyone has their own idea of what a mother should be and how she should behave and feel but, that’s the point. Be the mother that you wish to be. People might tell you that you aren’t doing it right but, that’s their opinion. And that’s all it is. An opinion. You are a mother and you have a crush. Fantastic! Don’t make personal sacrifices just because someone is judging you. You don’t owe them anything. You follow you’re own rules because you are your own person. And again you are only human. Let’s remember that humans FEEL. And feeling is right.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I can only imagine how hard this must have been for you and I am so in awe at how brave you are to have published this. From what I can tell, you are such a brave, strong, intelligent and BEAUTIFUL person and mama – full of love and light. You have so much to give and so much potential to change and influence the lifes of so many people. I am so thankful to be allowed to follow this little part of your life that you choose to share online. It fills me with so much light and positivity and inspiration and hope and dreams, and imagine all the people .. whose lifes you continue to reach and influence and CHANGE with the art that you choose to put out there every single time you do so. You are one of the most amazing writers AND photographers !! I have ever read and seen and you continue to inspire me to live my life connected at a deeper level.
What you are able to reach and change and influence with your art is unbelievable, don´t ever forget that!

THANK YOU!

Love love love over to you and Alba from Berlin,
Claudia

(my daughter is almost the same age as Alba : ) and I used to live in Australia, so thank you also for bringing back beautiful magical memories from this beautiful distant part of the world :))

Hello Nirrimi 🙂
I guess I never commented here, but I follow you & your work for many years. I first discovered you on Flickr in 2008 I think. You were super young and already had that absolutely amazing work in your stream and you inspired me so much. I saw you grow and grow over the years and I’m constantly amazed about the person you are (as far as I can tell, through a blog!) and the person you become & amazed by the way you live your life with focus on your family & being humble as a big part in it, trying to find the things that really matter.
You feel real & people who criticize you are just sad and want to be like you. People are attracted to other people who are successful, but they fear them the same way. Putting you down brings you back to their level, that’s what they want – to feel better by bringing you down. Why else would someone be on the website you posted, if they had enough joy in their life. I just feel pity for them, the anonymous internet can be a scary place.

You are strong by admitting to the hate & being vulnerable. A lot more than you think you are.

Nirrimi,
Your message is powerful. It really touched me inside. Love can win, I can feel it in your voice..and finally all that hate helped to make you stronger. So love already won. I guess that you learnt something with it and now we do too.. So much love to you, I can’t wait for that hug! Thank you for your message 🙂

Beautiful words and film Nirrimi. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had to deal with so much negativity and I think that the way you turn it into a positive thing is inspiring. Thank you for brightening up the world with your light 🙂

Nirrimi, you carry on being silly and wonderful and creative and the most inspiring young mother out there. I’m a 36 year old mom of 2 and I think you are so brave to share your mothering journey as you do. Don’t read the hate, and don’t take too much of the praise either, stick to your real-life friends, they will keep you grounded. You carry so much wisdom from your ancestors which we need to hear, please keep sharing your art and thoughts, we need your light in this crazy world xxx from Dublin Ireland

The video made me tear up a bit. It’s incredibly refreshing to see such genuine emotion from someone I admire so much. Much of the internet has lacked ingenuity and instead has led people, especially those with a lot of attention, to create facades that demonstrate the person they want to be, and not who they actually are, so I really, really respect your words and realness. Thank you so much for this! (Love)

you are SO COOL AND INSPIRING AND LOVING AND WONDERFUL AND INSANELY BEAUTIFUL!!! caps did feel necessary… I’m your age, and it encourages me to read about your gained strength and security in knowing yourself. I feel I don’t know myself, and I am so weak to the teensiest of triggers that release an avalanche of negative thoughts and generalizations, burying me beneath the weight. The eloquence and honesty you write with is calming; ingesting your own sense making and self discovering soothes me, in a strange way. You radiate peace, sweetness, and strength. Love love love to you. Thank you for being.

Nirrimi, I really wanted to write something, but I just saw all the comments and mine wouldn’t be anything different 🙂 You’re an amazing person creating amazing pictures and writing in interesting way.

Dear Nirrimi,
I am reading your blog for two years.
I was thinking why are you sharing your private life with whole world, but then I realized that you are not girl who just want attention. You are first writer and writers inspire people. When I started to follow you I thought your life is perfect. But, there is no person with perfect life. Perfection is in imperfection. And that is why you are who you are. Beautiful girl, best mama, great photographer and great person. Keep going with your work.
Live simple like you do and share light!

Oh my God,Nirrimi,I….I just have no words to describe all my love to you that filled me right now!..it’s hard even to write anything except “I love you,love you,love you”,because it’s so overwhelming…I’m just so amazingly grateful to God,that you exist in my life,even if it’s virtual life,that I can feel this love to you and that you inspire me so much..inspire to live,to make kind of world,that I can feel,when I read your posts and see your photos..I love you,Nirrimi,and thank you,thank you so much for your being in this world…Xxx

Nirrimi, I’m sending a lot of love your way all the way from Prague, Central Europe. I read and appreciate every word of yours for long years and it always fills me with some strange kind of deep connection. I always find something really touching the base of my soul in it. Keep going and embrace haters with your love! After all world is nothing else than love!

Hey, nirrimi! Please don’t give up! You’re such a real and honest and beautiful person! You give something to the world and the people in it which very few of us can give, something as rare and untouchable as love, only stronger! I don’t know how to express all the thoughts on my mind, but I wanted to let you know that you have my full support!!

You are such a loving girl… you made me smile for a long while in your video, filled with love and tenderness, and I ended up in tears, of love. I wish I could receive a hug from you once, I think your vibration is so amazing… thank you, I always thank you so much, for being such an honest human being, so young, and so wise already! you inspire so much, I’m really happy you’ve turned the darkness into love, and you keep on believing in the good, you inspire so much! Thank you one more time! for real, I wouldn’t have words after reading this post, but I had to share some of my gratefullness!!! tones of love from Barcelona! <3

I also have never commented on your blog, but am always so inspired by your life and words. I mention you often to others. Thank you for all you do and stand for! You are beautiful, gifted, and have enriched my life. Raw emotion is hard to come by, and even harder to give while receiving criticism, but I hope you will continue carving out this glorious path and leading the way for myself and others. It is so nice to hear your voice. xo

So beautiful. I love your video, I think it’s so wonderful to show people the living, breathing, talking you. I think it’ll make it a lot harder to snark on someone once you have looked them in the eye. Though, probably not for everyone. Goodness only knows why some think it’s their job in life to point out the worlds flaws but if you can learn to carry on and do what you love anyway I think that’s just amazing. Incredibly brave. Lots of love from London. Xx

Dear Nirimi, dont listen to these voices! Hold on to your love and love yourself with all the imperfections you might see. In the end, the moments in which you love and share count the most (I know it sounds tacky). Thanks for your shares! I hope you gonna fall in love again. Until then enjoy your crush. A happy mum means a happy child this is for sure!

I’ve also never commented but I’ve followed your blog for years. You make beautiful things and you’re the kind of mama I’d want to be (and I don’t even want kids.) I think it’s great that you put this out there. It’s important not to lose that vulnerability and positivity that you have! I hope you can keep focussing on the good and ignoring the bad. I love reading your posts and hearing how you’re growing as a person.

I cried reading this, as I do sometimes, saddened by the hatred in this world. but I also smiled. you are a beautiful soul, flaws & all. & you are brave to share yourself so openly. it’s inspiring.

that being said, I want to share an embarrassing, human part of myself, too. I’ve read your words for what feels like a lifetime, way back in your DeviantArt days, when you talked about the landscape of bodies. I was awed. & from then on, I followed your lovely, heartbreaking, magical journey. (that’s not the embarrassing part)

I can remember very vividly, a heartbreak I had of my own, during the same time period that you met M. seeing your love while I felt so broken made me jealous & angry. & I can remember writing some stupid poem about it that went something like “I want to tell the girl who takes the photographs, your lover will leave you.” I don’t think I ever published it, & I know I never sent it your way (until now, & I’m cringing doing so), but that doesn’t change the fact that I felt it, that I put that energy out into the world.

I’m sharing this because that hate that I was expressing then was not because of you, was not even about you, really. Deep down, that hate was because I was a sad, negative, jealous person & I resented others’ happiness. I wasn’t raised to handle all these crazy emotions, & I’m a fire soul, I can be pretty explosive. & those are my demons, & I have thankfully done an amazing amount of growing since. It still saddens me, thinking about those years I wasted on negativity, but it also helps me to be the centered, loving person I strive to be every day today.

I’m sorry for putting that negative energy towards you, & I’m sorry others do it, too. I know a lot of people get stuck in a cycle of hate, that it’s passed down from generations. I’d like to believe that people are inherently good, but that sometimes all the pain & anger in the world wears on them, breaks them. & so these people sending you disheartening messages really just products of a shoddy system. that in itself makes my boots heavy, what a huge problem!

but I do believe there is an answer, in fact, I KNOW that LOVE can fix it. & maybe it can’t fix everyone, but it can’t do harm, it’s exponential. If one person is fixed by love, someone else can be helped in turn. I know people can change because I’ve changed. I hope your message spreads like wildfire, strikes a chord in the hearts of some of those who feel weighed down by darkness. You definitely don’t deserve the negativity, no one does.

I’m proud of you for the light & love put out into the world, & for “figuring it out” so young, & for continuing even when there were those who wanted to make you feel small. it’s been beautiful watching you grow, you are wise beyond your years, dear.

keep living in the light, striving to learn & love. I hope to one day take you up on that hug. 🙂

Nirrimi, you are absolutely wonderful – you have all my support!! I love your attitude – positivity is the best possible answer to any haters, the positive vibes are just stronger! 🙂 please keep inspiring us – your blog has been my favourite ever since I’ve discovered it by pure chance back in 2012. Lots of love from Vilnius!

Hi Nirrimi, I hope that one day i could meet you. you’re such a wonderful person with your lovely thaught and your extraordinary photographies. You have been one of my model during my teenage years, i felt like i grew up with you and your photos. You’re a source of inspiration of love and beauty for lot of people, i hope that you’ll continue to share your beautiful words with us, i can’t imagine how people could have been so hateful to you, i can’t understand why people do that, but what i know now thank’s to you is that we can fight them with love, and it work.
Have a nice day and take care of your beautiful family.
thank you for the everyday inspiration you give to me. <3

I can’t find the words to explain how I feel now..
When I found your blog it was like meant to be. You immediately cheered me up with every photo you took and every blogpost you wrote. I hope that I will meet you someday (even though I live on the other side of the Earth) and would be able to tell you in person how much I appreciate you and your personality. I wish to be as positive as you are and just to say hello to you. Do what you’re doing, you’re perfect in it.
Hope this comment makes sense.
Love J.

I’ve been following you since the first day I started Uni. 2010. I’m from Sweden and went to Brisbane to study photography at Griffith, and I think I came across your photos and blog when I was searching for some inspiration for an assessment. I fell in love right away. You are truly an inspiration with your warm and caring personality and on top of that; you create stunning art. I am now back in Sweden, had to leave because I found out I was pregnant. And here I am…it’s 2014, got a 2yr old son and still find myself reading your blog every now and then. Keep up the good work, young lady. You are truly an inspiration to us all. Xoxo

I feel so bad for you. Reading that these things have been troubling you for so long. But i guess that people always will be saying bad things about people who chose to pour their heart out, and share it with the world. It’s maybe the prize you have to pay for being so “out there”. It’s sad really that people are so cruel and insecure, but people like you are the ones that light up the darkness! And thank god for that. You bring me so much joy. Both your pictures, your words and your spirit. You are amazing, and I want you to keep on doing your thing – because a lot of us needs a dose of Nirrimi in our life.
(Sorry for my crappy english)

Nirrimi,
I began reading your blog when I was 17 years old. I was in high school, and deeply unsatisfied with where I was in life. I’m a musician, and at that time, I wanted to drop out of high school and begin traveling the world, playing music, but I couldn’t because my parents wouldn’t allow it. I’m a dreamer, and school had never been my thing, so to speak. I never really connected with the kids in high school. Most of my friends were older, and I was often times avoided by other kids. Depression was creeping up on me, not being able to pursue what I loved at the time, and battling a 5 year long heartache over an older boy I’d been in love with since I was 13. I found your blog at this time and fell in love with the way you took control of your life, and did what you loved, with the ones that you loved. I took comfort in your writing, in your youthfulness, and in your passion. I related to your desire to be a mother at a young age, and found that I wasn’t such an oddball. You provided the confirmation I needed, to assure me that I am not the only one pursuing passion, amidst a world pursuing greed and uniformity. You inspired me, and provided a beautiful perspective for me. You became a dear friend to me, and you didn’t even know it. I finished high school, and am now currently traveling as I please, at 19, with the very boy I fell in love and cried over for years. All the while, working on my album, and beginning to find my way through adulthood, in the way that I choose to. Your existence is crucial to my journey. Without you, I don’t know where I would have found that comfort, that inspiration, that love. I can’t thank you enough for your honesty and your artwork. I have nothing but love for you. Please don’t ever stop writing. You are a light in the dark.
With love,
Lindy

I am blown away by your brain and your way of thinking. I live continents away and will probably never meet you, but I can just see you’re such a beautiful person. It’s great to see you on video, I can’t believe it but you’re even more darling than on photos. You’re so effing cute. And I love your accent. And I just wanna hug you. Never change. You’re amazing.

Nirrimi, the beauty that I see, hear and feel from you is none like any other person I’ve ever “met”. This life is difficult and scary and exhilarating and dizzying and beautiful and precious and all the other “ands” we feel every single day. I’ve had very similar experience, but more face-to-face. Feeling like you want to love everyone and give to everyone and finding out (in a very crushing way, on my part) that everyone’s not always like that. Finding that people “choose” to spread hate was hard to understand as a teenage and even as an adult. Life got hard and it affected me physically & emotionally. I wasn’t sure how to not feel heart broken every time I heard of someones hurt or pain or bullying and all the other “ors” that exist. Even when its not directed at me. But I got tougher and protective of the good and sometimes even a bit mean (which is probably counterproductive) to those hurting others. I feel sad for those who can’t appreciate the good. Their personal battles are a dark one. I smile when people are being mean because you’re right, “fighting hate with love” is much more effective. I’m not as light as I use to be, but I know that’s because I’m built to help others. To help defend those who can’t always defend themselves and if my step isn’t as light as it use to be because of this, I’m okay with that.

Nirrimi, you looked away from the camera until you spoke about your readers. You stared straight ahead and thanked the people who look to you for light. Those who should thank you for inspiring them and you didn’t look away once. That you didn’t fear. You are selfless and brave and beautiful and beyond the 22 years that your feet have danced the Earth. Life is hard for everyone but its in those who continue to smile, even though we cry sometimes, that help those to continue their own fight. Thank you for inspiring me, even in moments where I questioned myself.

P.S. I’m sorry for writing so much, I could speak/write about your good. Little Alba is blessed beyond measure – her mom can stumble, but stand even taller.

Hey Nirrimi, I’ve been a silent reader of yours for years – since you were 16 I believe? I’d just like to say, out of all your posts, and your wonderful photos; the video I just watched is my favourite of them all. A gentle sweet spirit, bravely putting herself out there to share her precious heart. I’m a 24 year old writer from Singapore with quiet dreams, and this has inspired and encouraged me greatly.

Thank you for being so raw and real.
Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world! Also, please give Alba an extra kiss for me. She’s the sweetest darling with her beautiful cheeky eyes.

I’ve been a fan of your work and blog since the beginning. You’ve truly inspired me as a photographer and writer and I just wanted to let you know that you’re amazing! Negativity is poison, but I think the people who end up suffering from it the most are the people putting it out there. I can only imagine what it’s like to live with so much hate you have to blast out on a stranger.. Anyway, keep going cause you rock!

Nirrimi! I honestly CAN’T understand how anyone could hate on you! It is completely insane, but just let me say you’re adorable and I wish I could give you a hug. Keep doing what you do, you’re amazing, bright and talented.
Love, from Paraguay.

Wow Nirrimi, this post is really inspirational. I never write any comments online at all but just this once I thought I should post and say thanks for putting yourself out there. thanks for being vulnerable and yourself. reading this post and watching you really just melts my heart. You are so endearing and sweet and young and soooo nice 🙂 I identify myself with you in the young mom type of way I am 24. Since I never post comments I just wanted you to know that I am thankful for your input of love, truth and beauty that your blog brings to my life. Know that I love you and your sweet daughter and I truly enjoy reading whatever your little heart wants to write. You make a difference in my life and you are awesome. Anyways I hope you read this and thank you for your past posts, present and future ones. It was really lovely to get to hear your voice, you sound like an old friend and like an angel hehe XOXO

Nirrimi, don’t forget how many other bloggers are bullied daily on that site getoffmyinternets. It is a place for people who have nothing to do but gossip/hate. There is not a successful blogger out there that doesn’t have pages upon pages written about them so don’t fret: it simply comes with the territory. You have an inner beauty and realness that outshines all the rest. You will always envounter love from your fans and true friends wherever you go, so in that sense you are never alone in this. We are all routing for you.

Dear Nirrimi, your blog is one of so pure, honest and beautiful things i’ve ever met. I read your blog since… i don’t remember exactly, but it’s quite long – 2 or 3 years. I think that only a bright and beautiful person, with pure soul and hot heart can writing it. Please, don’t pay so much attention to all these haters. Stay strong, wonderful and wise person as you are. Take care.

You are a beautiful soul. Your honesty and vulnerability are helping so many young women, people in general. You are right you don’t have to put yourself out there but you do and that is admirable. And you do it from a place of love and we can all tell that. Continue on, you are doing great things and will do so much more, you are so wise for your young age and you have the whole world in front of you. Grab it and go dear!

When i started reading your blog, i was curious about a girl who had my age and wanted to be a mom as much as i wanted. I used your post about “why i want children young” to talk with my friends about this, your words were my words and i felt connected to you, despite i didn’t know you. Beyond that, i’m aware we’re not only what we share online, and there’s a limit to “confidence”, but unfortunately some people can’t see that, and have lots of free time and hate. Loved your hair in that video, keep that smile and take care =)

Honestly, we, and I, all love you for who you are. Your blog is about your life and 100k people wouldn’t follow you if they didn’t like you for exactly who you are! Don’t try to please the crowd, I expecially would love to hear about your crushes- I’m you’re age and going though some of the same things growing up! Just remember you are wonderful, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If they have an mean opinion that they go out of their way to tell you, they are genuinely sad people that TRY and ruin someone else’s day. I wouldn’t respect their opinion in any way.
But anywho, LOVE YOU!!!
– Julie from Athens, Ga. USA

I have followed your work ever since you started on deviantArt and in a way, Ive grown up with you. It feels so amazing to see the real you. Youre so sweet and adorable. Thank you for being so honest with us and for being brave enough to finally do this. All my love and hugs!

I could have written this myself (and have many times, but was not brave enough to post it). THANK YOU. and sending you lots of love. thank you for sharing your beautiful self with the world. you make it a better place. xx

Hi, I obviously don’t know but I feel like this must have been a very hard thing to condense into writing and even harder maybe to share – and I would say thank you for sharing anyway, because to read it is lovely and enlightening and a bit like that feeling when a gap is filled – as wow, strange (good strange) to hear the voice behind your words! – But thank you also for that extra hurdle I’m imagining you might have had to get over to be able to put so candidly, accurately and simultaneously beautifully into words something which feels important to have been shared on a good many levels. I’m really grateful and happy to read and listen to this. So maybe to put it very, very simply; THANK YOU . You’re lovely lovely lovely. All the warmest sunniest wishes to you x

Hi, Nirrimi. I’ve been a follower of your photography/posts for almost 5 years now. I agree with you that we all want to be loved and understood. In the past, I used to think that we’d all be happy if we could just absorb the positive praise and block out the negative comments by people. Now, I realise that such feelings are transient. What is happiness? What is sadness? Those are feelings of the past. Let’s not dwell on it, or look towards the future. Living in the present is key. You have a wonderful daughter, home, life. Cherish what you have and don’t be too happy or sad – because we exist to live, not live to exist.

Nirrimi. Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful human being. Your internal light shines so very bright and Alba is blessed to have you as her mother. I love seeing this realness, I just want to smooch your cute little cheeks! Lots of love to you girls. xo

i think that so often, we forget that the person behind a blog is simply that-a person. it pains me to think that people say such harsh words because they feel braver behind a screen, it’s just not acceptable. thank you for not only sharing your story, but for reminding people that you are human, living and breathing.

I really love your kind of writing. Love is so much better than hate. I can’t understand how some people can just be so hatefull that they have to write hatemessages. I even hate myself for just thinking in a bad kind of someone.
You can see that you do what you love and that makes it so good, go on with it, you inspire me every time when I am on your blog , with your words and your pictures! Xx

For years I have followed your blog and have been blown away by your personality, your curage, your way of living your life and your art. I even tell people that I want to live my life more like yours. It makes me both sad and angry to read about people who is spreading only hate and are making your life harder. They should be ashamed and read about buddah. You go girl! <3

Hello I’m from Malaysia. I’ve been reading your blog since 2011 but never left a footprint. Remember this, you are beautiful, inside and out. You’re inspiring and filled with positivity. It’s amazing that I can feel your good vibes even though we’re far apart 🙂
I really hope I can see the world like you do.

P/S: How come you are being a mother but look like a child at the same time? 😀 I see Alba!

Thank you for sharing this Nirrimi. Those voices, or ‘demons’ as I call them can be so loud they drown out the wonderful things, like you say. If somehow I ever get to meet you, I will make sure I hug you tightly back to let you know how much beauty and wisdom your words and images have brought me. I don’t think I’ve ever commented on one of your blog posts before, because I didn’t know if my words would ‘add’ anything, but I wanted to write that.

Wow, I mean I try to love everyone as well but you have to admit that some people are just plain pathetic. To spend your free time posting shit about someone else? I mean you shouldn’t even bother with these people. They probably won’t change and so just use them to become stronger about yourself. You’re you. You are who you are because you choose to be that way and you have all the right to be however you want to be. Why? Because it is YOUR life. You don’t owe anyone an explanation 🙂 You are a good person because you have good intentions. Believe in yourself. You’re lovely and you have a beautiful soul and you see the world in so many ways that most people cannot. So, you’re in fact lucky. You are able to love in a society full of hate. That’s such a beautiful quality. Just keep enjoying your life and following your passion for photography. Don’t let the hate of others enter into your heart <3

Beautiful, Nirrimi! You shine so bright, and your eyes – goodness! They’re like seas of wisdom, dignity and kindness! You just seem to have so much good inside of you. I truly feel Jesus smiling to you from heaven, you are so valuable and important to Him. You are truly God’s creation! Jesus loves you! And so do we!
I would also like to thank you for the work you do – the beautiful images that you manage to find and capture. They are SO real and honest – and I know that’s a reflection of the photographer.
Keep up the amazing work! Hugs from me to you!

I am following your blog for a really long time now, but i never wrote you some personal words – so it´s time for that. I just wanna THANK you for all the words you share: You are a warm-hearted, unique person. Your words helped me in times of procrastination. I just read your words and it helped, an impluse of seeing the good things in life, observing special moments. I love to follow your stories, to see how you connect the world. I think a lot of people from around the world are keen to read your lovley words, and maybe they are growing with your words.
Lots of LOVE from Vienna. K.

Nirrimi, I really admire you and your work. You are not only a brilliant photogtapher, you are also a brilliant person for me. I love how you can express yourself and your feelings so don’t let anybody hurt you with their stupid comments and keep doing what you do because your posts(photos and texts) are wonderful. Lots of love from Spain♥.

Thank you so much for writing this. It is totally okay to be vulnerable. You are real and authentic, that’s why people loves you! Don’t take criticisms and negative comments personally. Love your writing and photography always, please continue to share and inspire 🙂

I do not understand the hate either. If I am not a fan of someone I do not follow them or waste my life hating them. I just follow the people I do like or I learn from. I do not understand what anyone gets out of other peoples hurt. Thank you for continuing to share your life, thoughts, wisdom and photos.

i just read this post and i think i just understand the half of it, but hey, i absolutely got what u want to say. you are such an awesome, beautiful, and now i know – super sweet – Person. I can’t believe that there is a person like u in this world – sadly at the other half of the earth, but I’m so glad that theres a person, which i think would understand me. like i said, you are awesome nirrimi, please stay as u are! thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

I have no words for this. I don’t know how someone can possibly manage all those hate messages or can cope with the knowledge that such a forum exists where everything you do is being discussed (I mean, come one! Why do such forums even exist?). But the fact that you do and that you seem to be such a happy person is simply incredible. You are a wonderwoman! You may say you’re just a normal girl but coping with that and remaining happy is not normal. It’s extraordinary and I admire you for that. <3

You can’t emagine how I’m looking forward to receive this massive huge hug from you! You made me cry and I’m so glad that I kind of ‘know’ you, that I’m allowed to be little part of this road called home.

I’m sending you all my love from Germany, letting you know that you are loved for every word you say. Because your words, your pictures, your smile makes every exhausting day simply better. Thank you so much for being so lovely and personal. I really wish I could have friends like you, so true and so real, with so much love in their hearts.

You are strong, and beautiful and worthy. Even when you feel the opposite with every fibre of your being.
I’m 22 too. I’m a real person, you’re a real person. (But I’m in England!) Hugs and joy to you and your (not so) baby.http://www.butternutb.wordpress.com

Nirrimi,you are beautiful person inside out,Im so glad I found you last year,you are brave young girl,mom,women,human and I adore you very much,you doing absolutely wonderful,lets forget haters,perhaps they may build us stronger,teach us forgiveness,help us be thankful for what we have…
I hope to be able to see Alba grow beside and with You,please do not stop writing,you are made to do it)
Veronika

I know this letter will probably get lost in the thousands you’re going to get, but I just want to let you know that your photos make a lazy 21-year-old feel so much. I cant believe that negative thread about you exists. Youre right, they comment about your post-processing in your “work” like theyre just talking about post-processing………………..Ok i forgot my point (it sounded so eloquent in my head). I think since you became a mom your photos became more meaningful and just so emotional (with filters or without), and they will only get better as you see more of the world. It may not seem like much—YOU may not seem like much—but i think it’s everything. Much love, N.

Hi Nirrimi, I am a 25 year old girl from Germany and one of the 100,000 anonymous people that follow your work and your blog – in my case it’s 4 years now. I have never commented on anything, I have simply enjoyed looking at your beautiful pictures and reading your talented and wise words. It may sound silly, but every time my newsfeed shows a new post of yours I get excited because your words and your images simply don’t stop to inspire me. There is just so much goodness about you which is written all over the things you share. So the reason why I speak up now is to say that you don’t deserve these hateful comments, you don’t deserve to be treated that way. I don’t understand why people choose the most delightful, kind and good person on the internet and try to break her… So I just hope you don’t let it get to you and continue to be the way you are! But I am sure you will 🙂 Sending you love from Germany, Aylin

You are, such a beautiful soul. And quite honestly, the only true inspiration I can relate to online. Your journey is something I admire. The courage to put your most honest self out there. I envy you. I struggle with this everyday. Feeling ugly, unaccepted, inner demons slowly eating away at the sunshine that used to just radiate out from within. But seeing you, and how brave you are, it gives this 25 year old a little hope. Thank you for this post, and the video (adorable!). Much love and thanks from Singapore xo

my cheeks hurt from smiling! thank you for being such a truly lovely honest human being, and thank you so much for sharing your world. I swear, you really are my favorite photographer, but not only because of your images, mostly because of your character and how your writings make me feel. Like a ton of people say already, they feel connected to you and not to sound like a broken record, but I feel a connection with you too. It feels a little silly to say that, but it’s true. I feel like this will sound crazy but if you ever need a place to stay while in California, my home is open to you.

you’re so so brave, never doubt that!
I’ve been following you since 2009 but I never had the corage to comment any of your blogposts but you have inspired me with this one.
you are a normal person of course, but your simplicity and your way of being is what makes you special and i think that video proves it.
ps: your accent as beautiful as you are
pps: i wish to meet you someday in my life

I always feel like I can relate to you so much! 22 year old, feeling a bit foolish and shy and just hoping to make this world a better place. You have such a strong voice and the gift to touch thousands of people. You’re such an inspiration to me! For all the negativity thay you receive, know you are loved as well!

I don’t know you in real life, but you seem like a lovely person 🙂 (and you are so cute in the video!). I’m so happy to finally see you and hear your voice. I hope you keep your positive outlook towards the world and never let the negativity get to you. Big hugs for you 😉

It has always amazed me that you look so young and yet you’ve lived through a lot of things, you’ve changed, did such profound experiences and were born anew everytime…you are wise, and brave, and vulnerable.
Never stop seeing and sharing the beauty of the world, especially don’t stop because of haters: they are motivated only by envy, not envy of who you are, but of who they don’t have the courage to be.

Thank you for writing this. I have no idea why people would invest so much time in following your life and picking it apart…regardless of their intentions, I do appreciate the way you have chosen to combat it. I admire you so much, and it’s up to everyone to ‘fight hate with love’. You are a brave soul and a wonderful influence on so many people. Never feel ashamed of being who you are.

Nirrimi, just see everything you put out there in the (online) world as an expression. We’re here on this planet to express ourselves. Once it’s out there, it’s gone. It’s not like a little baby we’ve got to look after for ever and ever. More like some form of expression to get to know ourselves, our purpose and life in general. You are wonderful, no matter what mistake you might do one day or every day or never. I mean I guess or hope you know that anyway, but just wanted to let you know that again from a different perspective. And back to what I was saying in the beginning, you can try to treat every thing you put out there as just an expression, that’s what it really is anyway. Without judgement.
Take Picasso for example. If anyone said “uh might wanna use a bit more yellow there”, would he have changed it then? I mean, maybe, I don’t know, but he surely wouldn’t have had to do so at least to to the right thing. His picture is his expression. People’s sentences and their picures and whatever is their expression. I don’t know if this helps at all, just feels true to me. Anyways, much love 🙂

That video is really cute! You’re such a sweet and pure person. I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now. I didn’t realize that blogging could also give you a lot a negative, hate reactions. Especially your blog, since I see no reason to hate someone just like that. You’re a big inspiration and a beautiful person. Love is what this world needs. I completely agree with you on that. Keep blogging, because I can’t imagine the internet without your blog!. x Eke (p.s. I love your dress and hair in the video).

Nirrimi, you’re so full of cuteness !! 😀 Not sure it’s a word…
Going to Camp Bliss this November, I wish you were coming, hope to meet you one day 😉
I’ve been following your work for years…first time ever I comment on one of your post.
It’s okay not to be perfect, that would be boring 😉 And young mama can have crushes ;p x

Nirrimi, we have never met in person, but I want to thank you for sharing this. It’s so easy for all of us to forget that everyone (whether on the internet or just walking down the street) is human, and everyone is just trying their best. This is such a beautiful and vulnerable message for you to share.

Though we’ve never met, I’ve followed your writing and photography and have felt more inspired by your blog to see the simple beauty in everyday things. I appreciate that you are willing to share the darker side as well; we all have those moments, and have a tendency to think that no one else experiences them since they rarely share them, but your candor and willingness to complicate the good things with the other things. In my own art and writing I will try to show a more human side as well. You’ve inspired me.

Oh my gosh! I can’t believe what you’ve been through–that people would actually go to such lengths and take the actions you mention. I think you are so brave and I’m so proud of you for posting these words and making the video, and now that I’ve seen and heard you more directly, it just makes me love you and feel inspired even more! So so grateful for all that you share, Nirrimi. Truly. xoxo

I have never understood those people who would rather waste their time conjuring negativity and spreading hate, and especially towards you. Your words have impacted me to make life decisions that I am thankful for, and for that I will always be so very grateful. Thank you for sharing them, thank you for sharing your views (which I have many times found very positively beautiful), and even, thank you for sharing your life. I send a world of love towards your and your family's way.